1st Japanese American Captain Named in LAPD
DOWNTOWN — Terry S. Hara on Thursday became the first Los Angeles Police Department officer of Japanese origin to be promoted to the rank of captain.
“This is the proudest day that I will remember,” Hara said.
An 18-year veteran, Hara first became involved in law enforcement when he served as an Explorer for the Long Beach Police Department.
Hara was accepted by the LAPD in 1980. He has worked as a patrol officer, in undercover narcotics and as a motor officer. His last position as a lieutenant was working in Chief Bernard C. Parks’ office as an adjutant to Deputy Chief Dave Gascon.
He will turn 41 on Christmas Day.
“Terry is absolutely an ace,” Gascon said Thursday at LAPD headquarters as Hara’s wife, Gayle, their 7-year-old son, Mark, and other family members looked on. “And I couldn’t be prouder.”
As captain, Hara will be in charge of the Wilshire Operations Support Division.
Kenny Garner, a 21-year LAPD veteran, was also promoted to captain Thursday.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
