Stan Bressler

Stan was born in Indiana and moved to Michigan at age 4. He met Judy at age 14 and started dating her at 16. They became engaged and married at age 17 soon after graduating from high school. In 1959 they loaded up their car and their one year old son and moved to CA. Newport was a small town in 1963, when at the age of 24, he joined the Department. There were only 39 sworn officers at that time. Stan had harbored no thoughts of a career in law enforcement.

After all, why give up a great paying job as the manager of a Jolly Roger restaurant that comfortably supported his wife and their first childMall for a $350 a month cut in salary. He attributes the career move to a neighbor named Kelson McDaniel, who at that time was adjutant to Newport’s then Police Chief, B. James Glavas. Stan had received a speeding ticket, and went to McDaniel’s house to moan about it. McDaniel took the opportunity to “recruit” Stan into law enforcement. Two weeks later, Stan found himself being screamed at as a Newport recruit at the L.A. Police Academy. Stan claims that his five years as a motor officer were the most exciting and energizing of all of his varied assignments. After motors, Stan worked as a Traffic Investigator, and then became the Community Relations Officer for eight years. A self-proclaimed people person, “This was right up my alley.” he admitted. He liaised with the media and all the community and civic organizations, helping to bring a positive department image to the city. For his efforts, and among much recognition that he has received for service, Stan was awarded a lifetime membership to the Newport Girls’ Club. (He also was active in the National Explorers Association, as well as other law enforcement groups.) After CR, he piloted ATVs on beach patrol, worked mole patrol, and continued with other patrol duties as assigned. Stan’s longest assignment has been one of his favorites: that of overseeing the Police Explorers’ program since 1971. He estimates that about 40 of his students have entered law enforcement, including such familiar names as Tom Gazsi, just promoted to Chief of Costa Mesa PD, Ken Weigand, Doug Parmentier and “Peninsula” Bob Stevens. Stan’s son, Dan, an officer for 31 years was just promoted to Commander at Desert Hot Springs PD. The Chief pinning on his badge was Pat Williams, one of Stan’s past explorers. Stan loves his retirement – golfing, being president of the NBPD Retirees’ Association, showing his ’67 Firebird, and spending time with his wife of 54 years. They have three married children, 15 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren with one more on the way.