Don Campbell, a retired Long Beach police sergeant, tragically took his own life on January 16, 2019, at the age of 60. Campbell was found with a gunshot wound to his upper torso in the parking lot of the Long Beach Police Department’s East Division substation. Authorities confirmed that he shot himself shortly before 11 a.m. and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office ruled his death a suicide.
Campbell had retired from the Long Beach Police Department in December 2017 after a distinguished 28-year career. During his tenure, he served in various capacities, including patrol, field training, special enforcement, and SWAT, and was highly respected within the department.
Campbell's death was a significant loss to the community and his colleagues. He was known for his dedication and bravery, having received numerous awards for his service, including the Richard Rose Career Achievement Award and a Meritorious Award for resolving a hostage situation in 2002. Despite his professional accolades, Campbell's personal struggles led to his tragic end. Friends and family were deeply affected by his passing, and a fundraiser was organized to support his family and complete a home addition project he had been working on.
There were no arrests, suspects, or litigations related to Campbell's death, as it was determined to be a suicide. The investigation into his death was handled by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to allow the Long Beach Police Department personnel to grieve their loss without conflict of interest. The community mourned the loss of a dedicated officer and expressed their condolences through various tributes and support for his family. Campbell's death highlighted the often-overlooked mental health struggles faced by law enforcement officers, prompting discussions about the need for better mental health support within the police force.
