Former Fresno Police Chief Ed Winchester has passed away at the age of 78.
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer announced Winchester’s passing on Wednesday.
Winchester joined the Fresno Police Department in 1967 and rose through the ranks to become the police chief in 1993 until he retired in 2001.
Dyer, who served in the department under Winchester, said he is deeply saddened by the loss of the former chief.
“Chief Winchester was a one of a kind police chief who was tough on crime, but had a heart of gold,” Dyer said.
Dyer credited Winchester for being the driving force behind the dramatic violent crime reductions in Fresno in the 1990s.
“Not only was Ed my mentor, he was my friend,” Dyer said. “We spent countless hours together away from work traveling to sprint car races in the valley and throughout the country. Memories I will cherish forever.”
Winchester is survived by his wife, Judy; daughters Suzi, Jaime and Jodie; and grandchildren.
The city will fly the flags at City Hall and the Fresno Police Department at half mast for seven days.