Mourners gathered this week to honor the memory of retired Los Angeles Police Department First Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger, who died Dec. 16 at the age of 64 after battling cancer.
The late morning funeral service was held Tuesday at West Angeles Cathedral in the Crenshaw District. A one-hour viewing preceded the service.
LAPD Chief Michel Moore was among the mourners.
Paysinger spent 41 years with the LAPD, retiring in 2016, when he was appointed as USC’s vice president of civic engagement, a post he held at his death.
“Today we said goodbye to a thoroughly respected law enforcement leader throughout Los Angeles …,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said in a statement. “His enduring impact on the communities, officers, and students at USC he influenced will never be forgotten.”
David Brown, USC’s interim senior vice president for university relations, said earlier, “Our university and our city are better because of him, and I know we are all grateful for the wonderful legacy that he has built over these many years. His team, and so many throughout USC, will continue his good work with purpose and passion.”
In December, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti had proclaimed that all Los Angeles city flags would be flown at half-staff in Paysinger’s honor until sunset on Jan. 7.
“Chief Paysinger embodied everything a police officer should be: a strong, humble, selfless leader who always put young people and the community first,” Garcetti said in a statement following Paysinger’s death.
Pastor Xavier L. Thompson lead the memorial service with an opening prayer. Bishop Noel Jones, from The City of Refuge, offered words or reflection on his friendship with Paysinger and praised him as a giant of a man. West Angeles’ Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr. followed him with additional words of praise.
After comments by Garcetti and LAPD Chief Michel R. Moore, retired Chief Charlie Beck gave an emotional tribute and shared how he and Paysinger had been partners, sometimes during undercover projects. During those times, they sometimes slept at the station, showered and resumed their regular work day.
Warm tributes followed from his cousin Curtis Dodson, recalling the strength and unity of the Paysinger family and the “always do your best” intentions that were instilled in each of them. Sons Steven and Brian Paysinger gave heartfelt words and reflections of their father, friend, and disciplinarian who taught them many values, with an emphasis on being timely and giving your best efforts.
Everyone shared how dedicated Paysinger was to his family, his God and his profession. An operatic musical selection was performed by Leberta Loral Paysinger, followed by a praise dance. The Eulogy was conducted by Apostle Ron C. Hill. A presentation of the American flag was made to his “bride,” as he lovingly called his wife, Miguel, and the services concluded with a formal gun salute.
Paysinger is survived by his wife, Miguel, and sons Steven and Brian, along with his father, two brothers and a sister.
