David Lazar, a prominent figure in the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), is concluding a distinguished 33-year career this week, leaving behind an impressive legacy that has earned him the respect of many.
From the vibrant streets of Chinatown to the challenging environment of the Tenderloin and the burgeoning SOMA district, Lazar is celebrated as a hero in the communities he served.
Born and raised as a fourth-generation San Franciscan, Lazar’s deep ties to the city shaped his journey into law enforcement.
Growing up in the Sunset and Richmond Districts, Lazar’s early exposure to police work came through his mother, a police dispatcher, and the wilderness trips he took with police officers starting at age twelve.
With the absence of his father, he viewed the police as father figures, which steered him toward a career in law enforcement.
His family history is rooted in the Tenderloin, where his grandfather often gambled at the Padre Poker Club.
This background parallels the story of former SF District Attorney and California Governor Edmund “Pat” Brown, who also ventured into law enforcement influenced by his father’s connections in the gambling world.
After years as a Police Activities League Cadet in his teenage years, joining the SFPD was a natural progression for Lazar.
Throughout his remarkable career, Lazar has amassed extensive experience across various policing and command roles, having served in eight of the ten district stations.
His ascent in the ranks began in the Tenderloin, where he quickly gained recognition for his leadership, becoming captain of Chinatown, a role that first brought him to the public’s attention.
There, he was noted for his remarkable ability to foster relationships with merchants, tenants, and property owners.
In recognition of his service, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and local Chinatown organizations are organizing a significant retirement celebration for Lazar scheduled for July 11 at the Far East Café.
Although Lazar never held the title of Tenderloin Captain, he made it his mission to be present and supportive, leading community members to reach out to him in times of trouble.
Kate Robinson, Executive Director of the Tenderloin Community Benefit District, highlighted his exceptional commitment, stating, “Assistant Chief Lazar is someone who shows up every time for everyone.”
Robinson emphasized that Lazar’s leadership is characterized by genuine love for his community and a personal approach, as he remembers individual names and stories, showcasing his care for the people he serves.
This sentiment was echoed by Henry Karnilowicz, President of the South Of Market Business Association (SOMBA), who described Lazar as approachable and dedicated, noting his active participation in monthly SFPD Small Business Advisory Forum meetings.
Karnilowicz appreciated his efforts to communicate regarding crime activity and prevention strategies.
David Lazar has built an unparalleled level of trust across various communities in San Francisco, setting a high standard for what community policing should embody.
His tenure as an Assistant Chief has not been without its challenges, especially during the turbulent times of the COVID pandemic.
Promoted to Commander in February 2017 and later to Deputy Chief in 2019, Lazar became Assistant Chief in 2022, overseeing vital divisions including Field Operations, Special Operations, and Community Engagement.
He faced significant challenges as sidewalk drug activities surged dramatically during the pandemic, coupled with a reduction of over 500 officers within the SFPD.
The city also controversially established the Tenderloin Linkage Center, leading many to believe that San Francisco had become the nation’s capital for drug-related issues.
Lazar expressed concern about this perception, attributing it to the presence of the Linkage Center and advocating for a perception shift driven by the Lurie Administration’s approach to narcotics enforcement.
He is hopeful that collaborative efforts with federal authorities initiated in 2023 will help dismantle the sidewalk drug markets in the city.
Lazar holds a strong belief that the SFPD must be unyielding in their commitment to end drug activities while leveraging emerging technologies like drones and new strategies for enhancing police staffing.
Reflecting on his career, Lazar described his time as a San Francisco police officer as “the most honorable job on the planet.”
Over a conversation with a veteran reporter, he assessed the popularity of San Francisco Police Chiefs throughout the years, noting that only Willis Casey (1990-92) stood out as truly popular.
Despite not becoming Police Chief himself, Lazar is regarded as one of the most beloved police leaders in modern SFPD history, defining a success model for future leaders in San Francisco.
As he prepares to step away from law enforcement, Lazar has stated his intention to take some time for himself, indicating that he still possesses a bright future ahead.
His retirement marks not just the end of an era for the SFPD, but also a celebration of a life dedicated to service and community leadership.
image source from：https://beyondchron.org/sfs-assistant-chief-david-lazar-community-hero-retires/
