Los
Angeles County
Biographies
ROY EDMUND STECKEL
Los Angeles is fortunate in having
as its chief of police an official of the type of Roy Edmund Steckel, who bases
his efficient, conscientious work upon twenty-two years of practical experience
in this department of civic service. A
product of the south, Mr. Steckel was born in Nashville, Tennessee, October 17,
1887, and is a son of Eli T. and Laura Ellen Steckel, the former born April 7,
1848, and the latter on December 5, 1853.
Mr. Steckel is thoroughly imbued with the patriotic spirit of his
paternal and maternal ancestors, who fought in the Revolutionary War and in all
subsequent wars waged by this nation.
Eli T. Steckel was a veteran of the Civil War and two of his sons served
in the World War.
Roy E. Steckel acquired his
education in Atlanta, Indiana, graduating from high school with the class of
1909, and for about a year was employed in the steel mills there. Responding to the call of the west, he journey
to the Pacific coast and on July 4, 1910, arrived in California. On the 1st of January, 1911, he
entered the Los Angeles police department, with which he has since been
connected, earning his promotions by hard work and the faithful performance of
every task assigned him. On December 30,
1929, he was appointed chief of police and has accomplished much during his
tenure of office, thoroughly systematizing the work and the duties of those who
serve under him in order that law and order may be maintained and the safety
and privileges of all law-abiding citizens secured.
Mr. Steckel was married December 10,
1911, in Los Angeles to Miss Hazel B. Pierce, who was born in this city, April
19, 1894, and is a daughter of John N. Pierce, of English and Holland Dutch
ancestry. The mother, Florence Louis
Pierce, was also of Holland Dutch ancestry.
Mr. and Mrs. Pierce were both natives of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the
former born December 19, 1857, and the latter on February 16, 1855. The mother is deceased but the father still
resides in Los Angeles. Mr. and Mrs.
Steckel have a son and two daughters, Ellouise,
Richard Edmund, better known as “Dick,” and Thelma Jannette, all at home.
Mr. Steckel is a member of the First
Methodist Episcopal Church, and gives his political support to the Republican
Party. His Masonic affiliations are with
Palms Lodge, F. & A. M.; Melrose Chapter, R. A. M.; the Commandery, K. T.;
and Al Malaikah Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Active in the affairs of the Order of the
Eastern Star, Mrs. Steckel is now associate matron of Palms Chapter, No.
491. Mr. Steckel is a member of the Sons
of the American Revolution, the Lions and Breakfast Clubs of Los Angeles, and
the County Peace Officers Association, of which he was president for the year
1932. At all points in his career he has
been impelled by a strong sense of duty and honor and stands deservedly high in
public esteem.
Transcribed by
V. Gerald Iaquinta.
Source: California of the South
Vol. IV, by John Steven McGroarty, Pages 181-182, Clarke Publ.,
Chicago, Los Angeles, Indianapolis. 1933.
© 2012 V. Gerald Iaquinta.
GOLDEN
NUGGET'S LOS ANGELES BIOGRAPIES