Memorial for Gilroy’s First Police Chief Begins Sunday, With Monday Service

Memorial services for C.J. “Jim” Laizure, Gilroy’s first police chief, will begin on Sunday with a viewing from 5-8 p.m. at Habing Family Funeral Home, 129 Fourth St., according to police department spokesman, Sgt. Chad Gallacinao.

Laizure’s funeral service will be on Monday, beginning with a procession from the funeral home to Headquarters, 7301 Hanna St., at 9:30 a.m. Named in his honor, the new headquarters will host the ceremony at 10 a.m.

Serving as Gilroy’s police chief from 1960-80, Laizure was 81 when he died Monday.

In his time as chief, Laizure created and personally typed the first procedure manual for Gilroy police. He instituted the standardized uniforms still worn today, 24-hour phone staffing and enhanced training, and he made Gilroy the state’s fourth city to participate in the 911 system, according to material from the department. 

A personal message on a trading card featuring Laizure reads: 

“Law enforcement is every citizen’s duty—be quick to report suspicious activities and be a willing witness–do your duty.”