LAX POLICE CHIEF BERNARD J. WILSON ANNOUNCES PLANS TO RETIRE FROM CITY SERVICE

(Los Angeles, California – June 24, 2005) Chief of Los Angeles Airport Police Bernard J. Wilson today announced plans to retire from City service and pursue new opportunities.

"A number of decision points have come my way over the last few months, each of them leading to major opportunities," the chief said in a memo to colleagues. "After reflecting on those opportunities, I have decided to retire from City service and embark on the next phase of my life."

Wilson, 52, said he had not set a firm date but expects his retirement to take effect during the summer.

"I believe there is a bright future ahead for all of you, and I will always be proud of my service with the Los Angeles Airport Police," he said.

Kim Day, executive director of Los Angeles World Airports, said a successor for Wilson will be named after his retirement date is set.

"Bernie Wilson has devoted his entire career to public service for the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles International Airport," Day said. "He is recognized throughout the world as an expert in aviation security. The high level of security provided at LAX by airport police today is a reflection of his dedication and professionalism."

A City of Los Angeles employee for 30 years, Wilson was appointed chief of Airport Police in April 1999. At the same time, he was designated to hold the federally-mandated position of Airport Security Coordinator for LAX. In both roles, he has been responsible for physical security of the six-square-mile airport facility with a total population of travelers, non-traveling visitors and airport workers estimated at over 140 million annually.

Wilson has served as a key decision-maker for numerous major crisis incidents, including aircraft accidents, labor disputes, bomb threats, natural disasters, industrial accidents, terrorist incidents and major crime events. As an instructor in aviation security, terrorism and traveler victimization, Wilson has instructed hundreds of police and security officers from around the world.

In February, he received an Executive Certificate from the State of California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), the highest level of certification awarded by the agency to a California police chief or sheriff following completion of rigorous education, training and testing at the law enforcement executive level. He earlier earned the POST Supervisory Certificate and the POST Management Certificate.

Wilson also has been awarded the California Commendation Medal from the State of California Military Department; the Leadership Award from the International Association of Airport & Seaport Police; and been named an Honorary Special Agent from the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Airport & Seaport Police, International Counter-Terrorism Officers Association, International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators, Airport Law Enforcement Agencies Network, American Association of Airport Executives, American College of Forensic Examiners Institute, and the Los Angeles Police Emerald Society.