[dropcap size=big]T[/dropcap]he Charlie Beck era is officially over. The former LAPD chief said goodbye Wednesday after more than 40 years on the force. He passed the badge on to incoming chief Michel "Mike" Moore, another LAPD veteran.
Beck was met with a farewell from the department before his last departure from LAPD headquarters. Not in his usual police uniform, and instead wearing an orange button-up and jeans, he handed back his chief’s badge, four-star pin and the gun he inherited from a police officer who died in Afghanistan.
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A historic moment at LAPD Headquarters as outgoing Chief of Police, Charlie Beck, is saluted by LAPD officers and newly appointed Chief Michel Moore pic.twitter.com/16h0fShPsi
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) June 27, 2018
Following the event, Moore was sworn in. Back in January, the chief announced he would retire. He leaves behind sharp criticism for the handling of fatal police shootings in the city. At one of his last police commission meetings, an angry relative of a victim allegedly threw the victim's ashes upon Chief Beck, prompting her arrest.
Serving the City of Los Angeles for 43 years has been the honor of my lifetime. To every person who has ever lived in, worked in, or visited Los Angeles, and to my family- thank you. To the men & women of the #LAPD, you are in good hands. pic.twitter.com/WJgbacrTlH
— Chief Charlie Beck (@LAPDChiefBeck) June 27, 2018
Beck said he plans to spend time with his grandchildren, work on his five-acre property and indulge in his well-known passion for motocross racing, the Los Angeles Times reports.
As our Chief, Charlie Beck built a world-class police department. He is one of the finest and most respected law enforcement leaders in America, and is someone who I have had the distinct honor of calling a friend and partner in progress. Thank you for your service. pic.twitter.com/YWOds8vE9R
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) June 28, 2018
We salute you, Chief 👋🏼 thank you for your service https://t.co/ASf39as9Mh
— Gil Cedillo (@cmgilcedillo) June 28, 2018
