Los Angeles Police Department
Sergeant Rich Suviate was born and raised in East Los Angeles, where he witnessed the challenges of gang violence and community unrest. He joined the Los Angeles Police Department in 1995 and has proudly served for 30 years.
Beginning as a Patrol Officer in Central and Southeast Areas, he worked undercover as a Vice Operator before becoming a Training Officer and Senior Lead Officer in Watts, focusing on housing management, community relations, and crime reduction. He partnered with the Los Angeles City Attorney to launch the Watts Block Project, a pilot program that evolved into Watts Rising, a major revitalization effort supported through partnerships between the City of Los Angeles, the Housing Authority, nonprofits, and state and federal grants, combining housing, safety, sustainability, and economic opportunity.
Promoted to Sergeant, he served as Watch Commander, helped open Olympic Division, and later served as Captain’s Adjutant. A graduate of the LAPD Leadership Academy, he now serves in the Employee Assistance Unit, supporting personnel during critical incidents.
Honoring the Fallen: Building a Compassionate and Coordinated Line-of-Duty Death Protocol
Saturday, October 18, 2025
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM MT