home

The Long Beach Police Motor Patrol Association was founded in 1934 by a small group of motorcycle officers, and several prominent business owners active in Long Beach community groups. In the many years since it’s inception, the membership of this benevolent association has grown to over 300 members. Our primary goal has always been to promote a relationship with the citizen’s of Long Beach and the motorcycle officers who are sworn to enforce the traffic laws in the community they serve.

(from left to right) Ofc's Whitcomb, Mendoza, Torres, Lt. Arthur, Ofc's Reinhold, Swain, Jones, Mifflin, Johnson, Neely, Wong, Gotori and Tymich

The Long Beach Police Department Motor Ring (Riding Award) originated in 1951 while Roy Brown was President. There were 15 officers on the motor squad at the time. Roy Brown and motor officer Jim Phillips worked with American Jewelers on Pine Avenue in the ring development. The owner of American Jewelers, Abe Tanenbaum, and his manager, Harry Emmons, helped in the lay out of the ring. Both were honorary members and Harry was a board member for many years. Abe paid much of the cost for the original dies. Entemann & Sons built the ring.

All of the motor officers had input on how the ring would be designed. The motor officers selected silver for the ring and black onyx stone with the Long Beach badge. it was decided there would be three stones available for the center of the ring. A sapphire for 5-years of riding, a ruby for 10-tears of riding, and a diamond for 15-years of riding. George Tellford suggested putting the wing and wheel on side of the ring.

The ring was awarded to the recipient at the awards banquet once a year. A few times when a rider was short a month or so he had to wait a full year until the next banquet. The stones were all one size, but the rider could choose to enlarge the stone at his own expense. The first rings cost the motor patrol about $50.00.

This great association takes pride in its members, the community, and its history. Without these components, we certainly could not exist. The motorcycle officers of this city, past and present, are grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this association. We are actively attempting to archive our history so that others may enjoy it.