Willie L. Williams | 1943 - 2016

Los Angeles Police Chief Willie L. Williams joins others in applauding Mayor Richard Riordan, left, after his remarks during the official reopening of the Foothill Division police station in Pacoima in 1995.

Los Angeles Police Chief Willie Williams answers questions about the city’s riot preparedness as Mayor Ton Bradley listens in 1993.

U.S. Atty. Gen. Janet Reno, flanked by Los Angeles Police Chief Willie L. Williams, left, and Mayor Richard J. Riordan at graduation ceremonies for the first class of Los Angeles Police Department officers hired under the 1994 federal crime bill.

Los Angeles Police Chief Willie L. Williams leaves a press conference in 1995.  (Con Keyes / Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles Police Chief Willie L. Williams during a May 16, 1997, farewell interview in his office.