On April 22, Deputy Executive Director of Public Safety and Security Patrick M. Gannon announced his retirement from the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), effective May 25.

Gannon has served as the Deputy Executive Director of Public Safety and Security at LAWA for the last six and a half years. Prior to that, he was LAWA’s Chief of Airport Police. During his tenure, Gannon has led the oversight of 1,100 sworn officers and civilians whose sole function is to ensure the security and safety of travelers, employees and facilities at LAX and Van Nuys airports. During his time at LAX, the airport has expanded exponentially, and just last month it was named the fourth-busiest airport in the world.

As LAXPD Chief, Gannon led the airport’s responses during trying times, including the November 2013 shooting rampage at LAX that left one dead and several injured. Gannon was the national face of the LAXPD when our officers rose to the call and took down the active shooter during the senseless attack on TSA agents at the airport.

The commands Gannon has overseen have also played a role in the massive modernization of LAX. This includes the renovation of the new state-of-the-art Tom Bradley International Terminal and the planning of groundbreaking automated people movers and a new consolidated rental car facility. 

Of particular significance to LAAPOA, Executive Director Gannon has been the LAXPD point person for the design and planning of a new police station — infrastructure the airport sorely needs. This project demonstrates the value of policing at LAX and the importance of having a police station that can facilitate the latest technological and staffing needs of an airport of its stature, furthering its goal to become the “Gold Standard” of airports in this country.

“As the president of LAAPOA, representing rank-and-file officers during Pat Gannon’s entire time here, I can attest to him serving with passion and determination,” says Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers Association President Marshall McClain. “While we have not always seen eye to eye in our roles as managers in our respective positions, I personally wish him well and thank him for his service to law enforcement, an honorable profession to which he has committed a majority of his life.”

When he steps down in May, Gannon will have served 41 years in law enforcement.

LAAPOA is committed to working with LAWA CEO Deborah Flint in support of a seamless transition during an exciting time of growth at LAX. Our combined efforts will target these unprecedented times of rapidly changing technological security threats to our airport. This will include a shooter detection system in the new automated people mover facility, as well as proactive steps to protect the airport with the integration of drones into the national airspace.