We are pleased to announce that your Los Angeles Police Historical Society (LAPHS) has hired retired Lieutenant Mike DeCoudres as our Associate Executive Director. Mike served with the Department from June 1972 to July 2008 when he retired as the LT II, OIC, Surveillance Support Section, Major Crimes Division. Mike also held assignments as the Bomb Squad OIC and the OIC of Backgrounds.

Throughout the course of his career, Mike worked Van Nuys, Venice, Hollywood and Southwest Patrol. He worked administrative assignments at Human Resources Bureau, Support Services Bureau and IAD. Mike also did two tours at Hollywood Vice and a tour at Anti-Terrorist Division. Prior to his LAPD service, Mike was a platoon leader in Viet Nam, and received his honorable discharge as an Infantry Captain.

In other news from LAPHS, the cover story of your January edition of The Thin Blue Line contains a multi-page spread about the history of the Department and a letter to all active and retired officers from retired Chief Daryl F. Gates.

We are very grateful to our colleagues at the Los Angeles Police Protective League for prominently featuring the Department's history in this edition! And we encourage you to fill out and mail in the payroll deduction card that is contained in the Blue Line. Retired officers can become a member of the Los Angeles Police Historical Society for as little as $4 per month. Come visit us at the Old Highland Park Station! (6045 York Boulevard in Northeast Area). This year will we be unveiling our exciting exhibit on the SLA Shootout (1974) and the Onion Field tragedy (1963).