Charles D. “Chuck” Perriguey Jr. died July 16, 2011 at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, Calif. at the age of 66.

Chuck was born in Glendale, Calif. on Feb. 15, 1945. He attended the San Gabriel High School and East L.A. College before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965. Chuck was selected for Officer Candidates School and, after being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, undertook training as a Marine helicopter pilot.

Having flown the T-34, T-28, TH1 3M, CH-34 and CH-46, Chuck would fly Sea Stallions and Hueys in Vietnam, where he also served as a Forward Air Controller, winning the Silver Star, Purple Heart and 27 Air Medals for his actions. He retired from active duty in 1971 but continued to serve in the Reserves, eventually reaching the rank of Lt. Colonel.

Chuck joined the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in 1972, beginning a career that would span some 30 years – 25 of which as a line pilot, division safety coordinator and special projects coordinator in the Air Support Division. He retired from the LAPD as a Senior Command Pilot.

On Feb. 27, 1997, Chuck responded to an “officer needs help” call regarding a bank robbery in North Hollywood. Chuck assisted SWAT officers on the ground by flying his helicopter over the scene and intentionally drawing fire from the robbery suspects – for which he was awarded the LAPD Medal of Valor and the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) Capt. “Gus” Crawford Memorial Air Crew of the Year Award.

Chuck joined the ALEA in 1975, and would serve the association for 25 years. He was elected to Secretary of the ALEA Board of Directors in the late-1980s, and was ALEA President for a further six years.

Chuck served on HAI’s Government Service Committee from 1995-2010. He also served on the HAI Board of Directors in the early-1990s as the Public Service Representative. In 1997 he won HAI’s Salute to Excellence MD Helicopters Law Enforcement Award with Daren G. Blount.

HAI President Matt Zuccaro, who served with Chuck on the HAI Board in the early-1990s, noted; “Chuck Perriguey was the consummate professional as well as a true gentleman. Not only did he represent the Public Service members of HAI with commitment and focus, his concern and passion extended to all of those who operated helicopters. It was my sincere pleasure to have known him and my honor to have served with him on the HAI Board of Directors.”

Chuck is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Betty Glenn; daughters Glenda Yost and Ginny Perriguey; four grandchildren; mother, Marjorie Perriguey; and sister, Jean Gordon.