Riley W. Brown

Riley W. Brown

Born February 8, 1928 in Long Beach, CA. RILEY W. BROWN passed away on February 9, 2017. He leaves his beloved wife Noreen, daughter Terralee, son Dana, and six grandchildren. Riley graduated Long Beach Poly High School in 1945, and was an active member of the Comus fraternity. He married Noreen in 1953. Riley served his country in the Army Air Corps and the Navy from 1949 to 1953.

Riley became a Long Beach Police Officer in 1951, and achieved the rank of Captain before retiring in 1983. During his service to the City, Riley was a motor patrol officer and the leader of the precision motorcycle drill team which performed in local parades including the Rose Parade. Riley helped start the STAR Team (Special Tactics and Reconnaissance) which was later renamed to SWAT. He was a member of the police pistol team, winning events at the California State Championships and at the National Championships in Camp Perry, Ohio. Riley was also a participant in the Police Olympics. He graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a bachelors degree in Police Science.

Riley was a 50+ year member of the Masonic Lodge 237 in Long Beach and for many years was an also an active member of the Long Beach Elks lodge. After retirement from the Police Department, Riley could frequently be seen roller blading on the beach sidewalks and spending time with friends at Alfredo’s or in Belmont Shores. Riley remained close to family and friends, attending weekly breakfast gatherings with other police officers or Comus fraternity members, and creating many happy memories with his loving family.
Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401