CAPTAIN HUGH B. FRENCH
BADGE 12, 37, 103 & 502
SDPD 12/01/1950 - 08/01/1973
08/24/1929 - 10/03/1999
THE THIN BLUE LINE
San Diego Union-Tribune, The (CA) - October 8, 1999
Deceased Name: Hugh B. French, 70 served 30-plus years in law enforcement
In more than three decades of law enforcement, Hugh B. French's roles ranged from patrol and investigations to community relations and university police chief.
That richly varied background came in handy during yet another assignment: teaching law enforcement techniques at Grossmont College and San Diego City College.
Capt. French, who retired in 1984 as head of campus police at the University of California San Diego, died of a heart attack Sunday at his El Cajon home. He was 70.
A resident of San Diego County for more than 50 years, Capt. French found plenty of time for community service.
He was a former president of the Clairemont Lions Club and served on the board of trustees of the Institute for Burn Medicine and on the board of directors of the Neighborhood House Association.
He also had been chairman of the board of directors of the Clairemont Boys Club and a member of the board of directors of the Travelers Aid Society.
Capt. French, a native of St. Louis, joined the Marine Corps in 1945. Three years later, he was transferred to San Diego. After serving in the Korean War, he joined the San Diego Police Department.
In 1968, he was promoted to captain. Five years later, he accepted an assignment as chief of police at UCSD.
Capt. French was a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., the National Institute of Police Community Relations in Pomona and the Defense Industrial Security Institute in Los Angeles.
His memberships included El Cajon Elks Lodge 1812, where he was a former trustee. He served on the board of directors of the Southern California Police Community Relations Officers Association.
An avid outdoorsman, Capt. French enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping. The Sierras, Utah and Colorado were among his favorite destinations.
Survivors include his wife, Carol; a son, Steven of San Jose; and a grandson.
Promoted to Sergeant 12/09/1956
Promoted to Lieutenant 11/01/1965
Promoted to Captain 02/09/1968
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