Five-Star Sheriff Reflects Military Usage

Regarding your photographs of Sheriff Lee Baca’s and L.A. Police Chief Bernard Parks’ stars (Inside Politics, Feb. 18), you are absolutely right. The reason for the number of stars is lost in the mists of history. To set the record straight: The office of sheriff of L.A. County is an elected position. He is the chief law enforcement officer in Los Angeles County, therefore the fifth star. All other chiefs of police in county police agencies wear four stars. The rank and structure of most law enforcement agencies derive their lineage from the military. Army Gen. Omar Bradley, during World War II, for instance, wore five stars.

The L.A. County sheriff is also the chief for Region 1, which includes Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, during major emergencies, artificial or natural, and he reports to the state Office of Emergency Services. Yes, the fifth star is symbolic but appropriate.

Larry A. Mead

Palmdale