Patrick Gannon will lead the fourth largest law enforcement agency in Los Angeles County, overseeing the police force at Los Angeles International Airport, LA/Ontario International Airport and Van Nuys Airport.
Gannon retired last summer after 34 years with the LAPD. His last position was as deputy chief and commanding officer of LAPD's Operations-South Bureau.
"I am thrilled that Pat Gannon will be the next chief of the Los Angeles Airport Police," said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. "Pat served the Los Angeles Police Department with distinction for 34 years, and supervised over 1,700 employees. He understands policing, understands homeland security, and understands the importance of policing while serving the interests of the community."
Michael T. Hyams, who has served as interim chief of airport police since the February retirement of Chief George R. Centeno, on Wednesday was appointed to serve as deputy chief, the second-in-command.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
