Prominent former LAPD assistant chief Earl Paysinger dies at 64, department says

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Earl Paysinger, a retired Los Angeles Police Department assistant chief who was a prominent fixture in the Los Angeles community, has died at age 64, the department announced Monday.

Family members say he died of lung cancer.

Paysinger, who retired in 2016 after more than four decades in law enforcement, had joined the University of Southern California as vice president of civic engagement after leaving the force.

He died Monday surrounded by friends and family, the department said.

"Earl Paysinger's impact on Los Angeles will continue to be felt for years to come whether it's in the halls of USC, the offices at Police Headquarters, in the black and whites our police officers patrol in, or the community centers where Angelinos gather," the department said in a written statement. "His devotion to building bridges, creating leaders, and reducing the fear and instances of crime will be his legacy."

As first assistant chief he was essentially the second-highest ranking officer under the police chief and ran the department's Officer of Operations under former chiefs Charlie Beck and William Bratton.

"Tonight we lost a Champion," Chief Michel Moore tweeted.

Among other accomplishments, Paysinger was credited with revamping the LAPD's Cadet Leadership program, boosting the program from 500 cadets to nearly 1,500.

He also helped build the "Youth First" campaign which provided mentorship and opportunities to more than 10,000 youth in Los Angeles.