KENNETH J. O'BRIEN

O'BRIEN, KENNETH J. Kenneth J. O'Brien, Ret. Deputy Chief SDPD and Executive Director Emeritus Commission on POST, passed away October 5, 2010, in Rocklin, CA. Ken was born August 23, 1934, in Boston, MA, to Ralph and Mary O'Brien. Ken served as a U.S. Marine in the Korean War 1952-1954. Ken met his future wife Bennie while attending Kelsey Jenney Business College. They married in June of 1955. Ken began his 51-year Law Enforcement career in San Diego, CA, in October 1955 when he joined SDPD. Ken rose through the ranks working in all aspects of policing and retired in 1986 as Deputy Chief. Ken had numerous accomplishments with the PD including completing his BA at National University, attending the FBI National Academy class #104 and Secret Service School. Ken continued his public safety work from 1986 to 1997 with the State Bar, POST and Youth & Adult Corrections until appointed Executive Director of POST in 1997. Ken retired in January 2007 to care for his ailing wife Bennie. Survivors include his daughter Kathy Compton (Jerry) of Norco CA, his son Mike O'Brien (Cinde) and grandchildren Lacey, Kristopher and Kody all of Alpine, CA. Ken was predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years Bennie in 2008, his parents, sister and two brothers. Services were held Saturday, October 30, 2010, at 2 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church, 4501 Bob Doyle Dr., Roseville, CA 95747. Burial Services will be held Saturday, November 6, 2010 at El Camino Memorial Park, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92121, 11:30 a.m. with Military Honors and a Celebration of Ken's life to follow at 1 p.m. at San Diego Police Pistol Range, 4008 Federal Blvd., San Diego, CA 92102. For further information about Ken, please Google: Commission on POST Kenneth J. O'Brien.