Sherman Block

Sherman Block (July 19, 1924 – October 29, 1998) was the 29th Sheriff of Los Angeles County, California from January 1982 until his death. He was preceded by Peter Pitchess and succeeded by Lee Baca.

Block grew up in Chicago and served in the Army in World War II. He majored in engineering at Washington University in St. Louis. He moved to Los Angeles and joined the Sheriff's Department in 1956, becoming the first deputy in the department to work his way through every rank to the top.

During his tenure he became the highest paid elected official in the United States.

In the Live Action Video for Kids/Real Wheels video, "There Goes A Police Car", Block appeared at the end of the video to tell the viewers that police officers and deputy sheriffs are always there to provide safety for their communities. He also encouraged the viewers to visit a police or sherriff's station and practice using the 911 system only in emergencies.

He died during his campaign for re-election, which he was expected to win. He still obtained about one third of the vote, as Lee Baca's opponents wanted the County Supervisors to appoint his successor. Block's death broke the tradition of the incumbent Sheriff selecting his successor.

References

• Los Angeles County Sheriffs Past to Present
• "Sherman Block, Los Angeles County Sheriff, 74". The New York Times. 1998-10-30. Retrieved 2008-06-21. 
• Covarrubias, Amanda (1998-10-30). "Long-ill L.A. county sheriff Sherman Block dies at 74". Daily Bruin. Retrieved 2008-06-21. 
• "Close second for dead sheriff". BBC News. 1998-11-04. Retrieved 2008-06-21.