LOS ANGELES, March 10, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) announced the appointments of LaPonda Fitchpatrick and Greg Staar to the rank of captain of the Los Angeles Airport Police.
"Staar and Fitchpatrick have a proven track record of excellence in areas critical to aviation security and law enforcement," said Bernard J. Wilson, chief of Los Angeles Airport Police. "In their new commands, they will contribute to the department's ability to ensure safety and security for LAX passengers and employees."
Staar is assigned as commanding officer of the Field Support Section that includes the Special Operations Group with its Special Response Team and LAX Canine Task Force.
Additionally, he oversees the communications, records and management services units.
Staar joined the Airport Police division in 1986 as an officer assigned to airport and traffic patrol.
In 1988, he transferred to the Los Angeles Port Police where he worked in patrol, marine operations, and underwater dive team.
He returned to Los Angeles Airport Police in 1992 as a sergeant and was promoted in 1999 to lieutenant, serving as a watch commander and operations officer.
He is a graduate of the University of Southern California with a bachelor of science degree in Business Administration. He also has a juris doctorate from Western State University College of Law.
Fitchpatrick is assigned as commanding officer of the Traffic Services Division, where she ensures the efficient flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout the Central Terminal Area (CTA).
Fitchpatrick joined the Los Angeles Airport Police in 1992 as an officer in the Patrol Division.
In 1992 she was promoted to sergeant in charge of the Airport Security Coordination Unit, where she was responsible for amending the Airport Security program.
In her career, she has served as watch commander, canine officer in charge, crime suppression unit officer and field training program administrator. In the latter position, she modernized and facilitated the State of California Aviation Security and Law Enforcement Officers Course.
She was promoted to lieutenant in 1999.
From 1992 to 1999, she coached the men's basketball and softball teams for the Los Angeles Airport Police.
She is currently completing her bachelor's degree in Sociology at Mount Saint Mary's College.