SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department is mourning the loss of former Chief of Police James F. Keane who passed away on Friday, February 19. According to a press release from the SMPD, Chief Keane, who is a life-long resident of Santa Monica died unexpectedly after an afternoon outing.

The exact cause of Keane’s death has not yet been disclosed to the public. He retired from the police department in September 1991 after serving the region for nearly 34 years starting in 1957. He was appointed to the department’s top executive position in January 1979. He served as the 14th Chief of Police until he retired.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, his daughters Lisa, Karen and Kathleen (a retired SMPD lieutenant) and grandkids Devin and Maya. The police department is expected to release details regarding the memorial services in the near future.