Death of First Female LAPD African-American Lieutenant NR15088nv

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles
Police Department extends its condolences for the passing of Marion
Hellenkamp, the first female African-American Lieutenant who passed
away on Saturday, March 14, 2015 in Los Angeles, California.

Hellenkamp joined the LAPD
on December 11, 1961, at the age of 30. Hellenkamp worked many
assignments, including Wilshire Area as the Watch Commander and
Southwest Area detectives. In 1981 Hellenkamp broke the gender and
color barrier by becoming the first female African-American
Lieutenant. After serving 26 years with the Department, Hellenkamp
retired at the rank of Lieutenant on February 14, 1987.

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Lieutenant Marion Hellenkamp.
We lost a truly remarkable public servant and a champion of equal
rights for all, and an example that barriers can be broken. Marion
was a true pioneer in LAPD’s history. As a female in a male
dominated occupation, she displayed tremendous fortitude in
overcoming both gender and racial discrimination to forge an
exemplary law enforcement career.

-Charlie Beck