Ret. # 17550, 35 years on Dept.

Pat had a cancerous tumor removed from the colon in 1998 and was cancer free for over 7 years.  He was in a preventative chemotherapy regimen for a year afterward, with no evidence of recurrence.   However, cancer reared it’s ugly head again, but this time, it matastisized to the liver and lower left lung.   Pat began his second chemo regimen and always expressed gratefulness for his wife and children, who were a daily support to him.   Things got better and then worse …and then better. 

 Pat returned to work and continued to ride his motorcycle with his chemo pack on!!!  What a fighter!!!  He considered work great therapy.   Although, more importantly, he found the support of his family and his extended LAPD family, a wonderful thing.  Pat was passionate about assisting the Cancer Support Group by attending roll calls and providing training regarding the importance of Cancer Prevention and early diagnosis, as he felt he had much to offer through his personal experience.  How true!  Thank you Pat for your example of compassion, work ethic, and courage in your battle with cancer.  You set the bar for others. 

We will never forget you!  
Pat Beighley died of colon cancer on April 15, 2010.

Sr. Ret. #17311


In January 2007, Dwayne was diagnosed with “Pancreatic Cancer”.   Doctors discovered a cancerous tumor located on the head of my pancreas along with other cancer markers.   Dwayne sought treatment at USC/Norris Cancer Center.

Dwaynes wife, Jackie, became his primary care giver during his illness.  Jackie and Lily Ruff, (LAPCSG Board Member), were friends in high school and Lily encouraged Dwayne to attend the LAPCSG’s monthly meeting at the Police Academy.   Dwayne attended his first Cancer Support Group Meeting in January 2007.   Since retiring from the Los Angeles Police Department in 1992, Dwayne always considered LAPD as his second Family and the Cancer Support Group offered him and his family support and understanding during his battle with this terrible disease called “Cancer”.

Although it sounds so simple, Dwayne was moved by a card sent to him by Lily Ruff during a very venerable time in his Chemotherapy treatment.   The card had words of encouragement and a ”Face of a Lion”, which Dwayne identified with in his battle.  One of the things Dwayne learned from the Cancer Support Group is that you do not need to be a doctor to help others.   Family and friendship is what life is about and sometimes, it’s as simple as sending a card to someone.  
During Dwayne’s illness, through his participation in the Cancer Support Group, he helped others  reduce their burdens in their personal battle with cancer.   We miss him dearly.   Dwayne lost his battle with cancer on April 24, 2008, but not without leaving his mark on all those who know him.