Richard David Welts, 84

Richard David Welts, No. 11011, Sergeant II, of the Los Angeles Police Department, was born Friday, Sept. 1, 1939, in Los Angeles and was called home, concluding his final EOW on Monday, March 25, 2024, at the Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

As a US Navy Veteran, Dave served aboard the USS Helena (CA-75) as a 3-inch/50-caliber Loader and Captain's Driver. He served and protected the City of Los Angeles as a Police Officer for 30 years across several divisions, of which Metro Division he was most proud.  Most notably, he was an original member (No. 18) of S.W.A.T. as we know it today, which was historically significant in paving the way for the advancement of modern police tactics. 

Dave was an integral part of planning the security of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and consulted on the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He planned, coordinated, and led the security detail of Pope John Paul the II's 1987 visit to Los Angeles, a journey which took him to Germany, Miami, New Orleans and San Antonio prior to the Pope’s arrival in Los Angeles — in total six Papal masses. Dave worked with the CIA and Secret Service on presidential protection details for Presidents Reagan and Bush (Sr.), when they were in Los Angeles, amongst many other heads of state and foreign dignitaries. He was a "Metro Man" and always honored what it meant to be one, even in retirement. 

He received his Lifetime Teaching Credentials from UCLA and was an instructor at several colleges, most notably at Rio Hondo Police Academy. He enjoyed many hobbies, including collecting coins and guns, fishing and boating with friends and family. He lived a full life, going on many adventures across the United States, Europe, Asia, the South Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand. Many will remember Dave by his great sense of humor, the smile hidden beneath his mustache, Karen’s and his Blue Healer, Mystery, who was his faithful companion and was always by his side, and last but not least, his true friendship to many.  Above all else, he took his role as provider and protector of his family very seriously.

Dave was the youngest son of Fred and Myrle Welts and is survived by his wife, Karen, of 57 years; son, Steve; daughter-in-law, Laurie; sons Ron, Greg and Brian; daughter-in-law, Simone; along with grandchildren, Joshua and Sienna; as well as sister-in-law, Kelly and her husband, Kevin; and nephews, Cameron and Brandon.

A viewing will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Yates Funeral Home — Hayden Chapel (373 E. Hayden Ave. Hayden, ID 83835). A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, March 29, 2024, at Yates Funeral Home — Hayden Chapel.  

Please visit Dave’s memorial and sign his online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.