Sherman Block
Sherman Block (July 19, 1924 – October 29, 1998) was the 29th Sheriff of Los Angeles County, California from January 1982 until his death. He was preceded by Peter Pitchess and succeeded by Lee Baca.
Sherman Block | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 19, 1924 |
| Died | October 28, 1998 (aged 74) Los Angeles, California |
| Police career | |
| Department | Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department |
| Service years | 1956–1998 |
| Rank | Sheriff |
Biography
Block grew up in Chicago. Block was Jewish.[1][2][3] He served in the Army for 31⁄2 years with service in Europe the Pacific during World War II.[4] He majored in engineering at Washington University in St. Louis. He moved to Los Angeles and joined the Sheriff's Department in 1956, becoming the first deputy in the department to work his way through every rank to the top.
In 1962, while working as a Sheriff's deputy, Block arrested comedian Lenny Bruce for obscenity, namely using the term "schmuck" during a comedy routine.[5]
During his tenure he became the highest paid elected official in the United States.
In the Live Action Video for Kids/Real Wheels video, "There Goes A Police Car", Block appeared at the end of the video to tell the viewers that police officers and deputy sheriffs are always there to provide safety for their communities. He also encouraged the viewers to visit a police or sheriff's station and practice using the 911 system only in emergencies.
He died during his campaign for re-election, which he was expected to win. He still obtained about one third of the vote, as Lee Baca's opponents wanted the County Supervisors to appoint his successor. Block's death broke the tradition of the incumbent Sheriff selecting his successor.
The Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SBSLI) was created in 1988. This is a program designed to simulate personal growth and leadership, and ethical decision-making in California law enforcement front-line supervisors. California Law Enforcement Officers who hold the rank of Sergeant are the individuals who get to attend this program.
His cousin is movie producer Berle Adams.[1]
References
- Freed, David (May 17, 1987). "Wide Respect : The Sheriff: Deli King to Top Lawman". The Los Angeles Times.
Through his cousin, movie distributor Berle Adams, Block met famous Hollywood makeup artist George H. (Bud) Westmore
- Tugend, Tom (November 5, 1998). "A Jewish Life". The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles.
Block, who died last week at age 74 from a massive brain hemorrhage, was the first Jewish sheriff in the 148-year history of Los Angeles County.
- "Long-ill L.A. county sheriff Sherman Block dies at 74". The Daily Bruin. October 29, 1998.
It was the day before the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur and prefaced his remarks by telling reporters, "Tomorrow is the holiest day of the year in my religion, so I’ll be praying for all of you."
- SCV Historical Society. "Sherman Block", scvhistory.com website. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
- Pfefferman, Naomi (August 5, 1999). "'Lenny' and Me". Jewish Journal. Retrieved December 18, 2018.
- Los Angeles County Sheriffs Past to Present
- "Sherman Block, Los Angeles County Sheriff, 74". The New York Times. 1998-10-30. Retrieved 2008-06-21.
- Covarrubias, Amanda (1998-10-30). "Long-ill L.A. county sheriff Sherman Block dies at 74". Daily Bruin. Retrieved 2008-06-21.
- "Close second for dead sheriff". BBC News. 1998-11-04. Retrieved 2008-06-21.
External links
| Government offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Peter J. Pitchess |
Los Angeles County Sheriff 1982-1998 |
Succeeded by Lee Baca |