In a small ceremony held in front of the Police Memorial at the new Police Administration Building, Commander Paul Gillen was memorialized for his service and sacrifice to the Department and City.
Family members including Commander Gillen's wife Margie, dignitaries, active and retired personnel and invited guests watched as Assistant Commanding Officer of Special Operations Bureau, Commander Scott Kroeber unveiled the portrait of Commander Guillen which will be permanently displayed in the new Police Administration Building. Police Chief Charlie Beck also presented Commander Gillen's widow with the Purple Heart which is awarded to officers who are wounded or killed in the line of duty. The ceremony also included a helicopter flyover and a wreath laying at the Memorial.
On May 29, 1974, Commander Paul Gillen was killed in a Department helicopter crash. Commander Gillen was the commanding officer of Uniformed Services Group, and at the time of the crash, he was on board an aircraft that was involved in SWAT training.