Calvin Daniel Schlotzhauer

Calvin Daniel Schlotzhauer was born on August 2nd, 1942 in Los Angeles, California. He joined the Los Angeles Police Department on August 5th, 1963 and worked various patrol and investigative units until 1968 when he was selected as one of the original “cadre of observers” assigned to ASTRO (Air Support to Regular Operations). This unit was formed by the LAPD in conjunction with JPL to test the feasibility of aircraft assisting ground units in their law enforcement mission. His most memorable contribution to law enforcement was the addition of #’s to the roof of the police car for better communication between the officers on the ground and those in the air.

A short time later he knew he wanted to become a helicopter pilot and was quickly promoted to Sergeant becoming the OIC, Officer in Charge, of the Special Flight Section. Some incidents he worked, that you may remember, include: the Watts Riots, Baldwin Hills Fire, 1970 earthquake, and the Hillside Strangler case.

In 1982 he married the love of his life, Linda. They have been best friends for almost 50 years.

He retired from the LAPD in 1984 as Sergeant II, Assistant Watch Commander to take a position with the Olympic Committee as the Head of Security at Dodger Stadium during the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

In 1989 he flew Law Enforcement and Search and Rescue missions for the Kern County Sheriff's Department. In May of 2000 he was awarded the Medal of Valor for “courage under fire” while assisting in the capture of suspects that had shot down a CHP helicopter in Death Valley CA. He was a true hero.

Dad was a natural teacher. He taught numerous kids how to drive, trained law enforcement students as a helicopter pilot instructor, and in 2005 joined Linda as a Silver Trainer for Nakken, traveling the world while helping people become their best self.

He loved museums, travel (especially Cruises), flying anything, and going on adventures. He visited over 30 countries, built a house from a drawing on a Denny’s napkin, delivered blood and organs (and even snake serum) in order to save multiple lives. Dad has sky-dived, Aqua-dived, and climbed up many mountains and repelled down some too. Even with all that adventure time, what he loved most was “Baking a memory” by spending time with friends and family.

Dad is survived by his wife Linda, his three adult children and their spouses: Debbie & Paul, Jim & Scott, Roxi & Virginia. His brother Rick and sister-in-law, Marsha. He was blessed with seven grandchildren (Kayla, Katie, Ethan, Ashley, Justin, Ben, Laura) as well as six great-grandchildren (Talin, Tucker, Tegan, Kerrigan, Sophia, Luke). He will be missed by so many.