The Turlock Police Department announced the passing of retired Police Chief Lonald Lott.

Chief Lott began his law enforcement career in 1973, after serving in the United States Coast Guard. He joined the Turlock Police Department in 1980 and spent more than 25 years serving the community, including nearly nine years as Chief of Police from Feb. 1, 1997, until his retirement on Dec. 15, 2005.

Chief Lott was a graduate of the FBI National Academy and held both a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Behavior and a master’s degree in Criminal Justice. He served in leadership roles within law enforcement organizations throughout California and also shared his knowledge with others as a part-time faculty member at Stanislaus State, where he taught Criminal Justice, Management and Leadership.

Chief Lott was also a published contributor to the law enforcement profession. In 1995, while serving as a lieutenant with Turlock PD, he authored an article for the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin addressing difficult issues affecting police officers and their families. His work on the subject continued in the years that followed and has been referenced in law enforcement research decades later.

After retiring from Turlock, Chief Lott continued his involvement in service through the American Legion.

“For those who had the privilege of working alongside him, learning from him or calling him a friend, we know his loss is deeply felt. For those of us who came after him, we are grateful to serve in a department shaped in part by his leadership and more than 25 years of service to Turlock,” posted the Turlock Police Department on their social media platforms.