Detective Gerald Wayne Sawyer

Many years ago when I was on probation and ended up working day watch with Blackie Sawyerone day in Central Division. His buddy, Greenwood was also on the same watch working a one man car in Central Div. I was inexperienced and was put with Blackie for training. He managed to come across a female heroin addict at an apartment complex and called for his buddy Greenwood to assist us. It was learned that the boyfriend living in the apt was coming home soon and was most likely holding. Sawyer and Greenwood set up a plan to catch him when he returned and stationed me out back to catch either the suspect or the dope when he tossed it out the opened window. A little later the suspect came home and I could hear Sawyer and Greenwood involved in an altercation and they were calling for me. I ran to the apt. and saw Sawyer on the floor holding the suspect in a choke hold. Suspect was gagging. Greenwood was holding the lower torso. I could see the suspect was choking on something and told Sawyer to let go of the hold and he did. The suspect's head turned slightly, his mouth opened and numerous ballons of heroin spilled out of his mouth onto the floor. We took the addict to jail and later went to court. The suspect was a rich kid that was on probation for dope and didn't show for court so a bench warrant was issued. Both Sawyer and Greenwood were experts and relentless when it came to stopping dope dealers. I am not 83 years old and I can see I out lived my brothers. RIP for both of these great policemen.

Retired Sgt. Curt Fesler 12025

Sgt. Curtis R Fesler
LAPD Partner for only one day but it was quite a day.

February 23, 2025