San Diego City Council Recognizes SDPD Assistant Chief Long

Recently retired San Diego police Assistant Chief Boyd Long was lauded by the City Council on Tuesday for his 28 years of service.

City Council President Todd Gloria said the city has lost "one of our most seasoned officers," one who he and his staff called countless times on issues large and small.

"He's always been there, he's always been responsive—day, night, weekend, holiday, it didn't matter, he was always accessible and I always appreciated that," Gloria said.

Long resigned last month to become a vice president at the Valley View Casino in Valley Center. For years, he was an identifiable presence on television with his trademark glasses and mustache when dealing with issues such as homelessness or the Occupy San Diego protests.

He also commanded the SDPD's Northern Division, which includes La Jolla.

According to Councilwoman Marti Emerald, Long once saved several people from a burning building by stacking milk crates to create an escape route.

Long thanked the council members and called San Diego a beautiful city.

"I couldn't be prouder of being a part of this organization for 28 years," Long said. He called the council members friends and thanked Chief William Lansdowne for being a mentor.

—City News Service