Oldest Retired SDPD Officer, 103, Dies

Schmidt served San Diego from 1945 to 1967

Frank Schmidt, the oldest San Diego Police Department retiree and first officer to make it to 100 years old, died Friday at the age of 103.

Several officers, including SDPD Chief Shelley Zimmerman, shared their memories of of the 22-year veteran on Twitter.

Schmidt applied to the police department in 1945 at 31 years old. Out of 50 applicants, Schmidt was only one of five who passed. His six-week training period consisted of 12-hour days and no overtime. During his career he worked in Downtown, Ocean Beach and La Jolla, and was recognized by his supervisor as the top DUI officer in the Accident Investigation Bureau.

Badge number 373, Schmidt patrolled San Diego until his retirement in 1967. 

He had three children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

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