- Date Of Birth: November 16, 1941
- Date Of Death: January 30, 2010
- State: Arizona
Former Flagstaff Police Department Chief Gary Latham, 68, died Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, in Denver after a battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Latham was born Nov. 16, 1941 in Oakland, Calif. He attended Page High School and graduated from St. Michael’s High School in Santa Fe, N.M., in 1960.
He graduated from Northern Arizona University (then Arizona State College) with a degree in police science and was hired by the Flagstaff Police Department in March 1965. His many talents enabled him to rise through the ranks quickly, ultimately resulting in his promotion to Chief of Police in April 1985.
“We were neighbors and we’ve been friends for over 40 years,” said Pat Madden, who took over in March 1994 for Latham as police chief after Latham’s retirement.
The two met in college, began working for the college security department, worked at the police department and retired to find work for northern Arizona Indian Gaming Tribes.
“He’s the best,” Madden said. “He’s an outstanding individual. I can even say he was my mentor.”
A friendly demeanor, caring for other people, hard work ethic, honesty and integrity are just a few of his more memorable character traits, Madden said.
Current Police Chief Brent Cooper said, “We at the Flagstaff Police Department will always remember Gary and his contributions to this agency. He was a dedicated law enforcement professional who made many significant improvements to the department and the community.”
Cooper said he remembered Latham’s high standards of discipline and professionalism. He was also instrumental in Cooper’s choice to be a Flagstaff police officer. While Cooper was still in college, he said Latham came on campus soliciting for a cadet program running at time.
“I was so impressed with Gary then, I wanted to see more what it was about,” Cooper said.
During Mr. Latham’s tenure with the police department, he was actively involved with a large number of professional law enforcement and community organizations. He was a graduate of the FBI National Academy, past president of the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police, member of the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. He was also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, past president of The Guidance Center, member of Kiwanis Club, lifetime member of the Elks and a member of the board of directors for Citizens Against Substance Abuse.
After his retirement, he was recruited by the Arizona Department of Gaming in 1996 and worked there for 10 years. He set up and organized the first office in Flagstaff to serve northern Arizona Indian Gaming Tribes. His unique diplomatic skills were used extensively to help foster better regulation of a $2 billion-dollar-a-year industry. His diverse management experience helped a relatively new agency become recognized as a leader in the industry of Indian Gaming regulatory agencies.
Mr. Latham was larger than life and very special to his family and many friends. He was an avid reader and a lifelong car enthusiast who loved his Corvette. Before his illness, he enjoyed distance running, skiing, hiking, hunting, fishing and riding his motorcycle. His family will treasure all the fun camping and ski trips, motorcycle rides and great hikes.
Mr. Latham was diagnosed with ALS in March 2006 and participated in several clinical trials. He and several of his close friends wore the ALS bracelets which say “Never Give Up” to show their support. He epitomized those words every day.
The family would like to thank Dr. Todd Levine of Phoenix Neurological Associates and the wonderful clinicians at the Banner Good Samaritan ALS clinic. Thanks to Dr. Carl Shrader, Dr. Tom Matlock, The ALS Association and Porter Hospice for their care and support. The family would also like to thank their many friends for the cards, phone calls, visits, food and encouragement provided throughout Mr. Latham’s illness.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Louise; daughters Lea, Laura and Kara Mellwig (Robert); six grandchildren Devin, Austin, Jake, Juliet, Pierce and Brea. He is also survived by his parents, Howard and Duane Latham; sister Vicki Huddleston (Robert); brothers Steve (Shari) and Jeff; and several nieces and nephews.
