Last day for LAPD's most senior motor officer

Daily News Wire Services
Aug 1, 2008

PANORAMA CITY - The Los Angeles Police Department's most senior motor officer will serve his last day today after 38 years on the force. Officer James Thornton, 57, of the LAPD's Valley Traffic Division will kick off his final day of service with a barbecue after the roll call at the start of watch at 11:45 a.m., according to an LAPD statement.

Thornton began his career with the LAPD as a police student worker in July 1970, becoming a police officer two years later and a motor officer in 1979, police said. Thornton's retirement party will follow on Aug. 8, a police spokeswoman said.