Veteran Officer Garrison, 76, Dies

Douglas Garrison, a veteran Santa Ana police officer who in retirement helped patrol Leisure World Laguna Hills, has died of cancer. He was 74.

One of six children, Garrison was raised in Santa Ana and graduated from Orange High School in 1942. He was an accomplished athlete and lettered in five high school sports: football, basketball, baseball, track and tennis.

Garrison served in the U.S. Army from 1943-46. He was assigned to the 759th Military Police Battalion and served in the European and South Pacific campaigns, earning several medals for his service.

Garrison was hired by the Santa Ana Police Department in 1947, where he worked patrol until 1950, when he became a motor officer. He was promoted to sergeant in 1957.

In 1965, Garrison was promoted to lieutenant and served in the watch commander’s office, training division and traffic division.

Garrison retired in January 1977.

“After he retired, he played for seven years,” his wife, Bonnie, said. “He played golf, he played tennis. He just had a good time.”

Later, he went back to work as a security guard, first patrolling the old Irvine Ranch area, then at Leisure World in Laguna Hills, where he and his wife most recently lived.

“He really enjoyed working with the older people and felt very protective of [them],” she said.

Santa Ana Police Sgt. Steve Despenas praised Garrison’s work, saying he was committed to the city and department. A full police funeral is planned.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Jan and Shari; two stepsons, Rick and Charlie; and six grandchildren.

Services will be at 1 p.m. today at the Fairhaven Memorial Park, 1702 Fairhaven Ave., Santa Ana. Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Seekers Chapel in Fullerton.