Lieutenant II Natalie Doster Gipson retired after 30 years of dedicated service to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) as an assistant officer-in-charge, operations section, police training and education.
Although Gipson has closed a chapter in her life, she leaves behind a historical legacy of becoming the eighth African American woman to be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant at LAPD. She is also the second-generation the LAPD following her father’s footsteps, retired Captain III Lyman Doster.
In honor her accomplishments, a retirement celebration was held at the Casa Italiana, in Downtown Los Angeles on Thursday, November 9, 2017. Nearly 300 guests including family, friends, and professional colleagues attended the event to pay tribute to Gipson who has given back unselfishly.
Gipson’s husband, Tim, who was also in attendance spoke highly of her work and her accomplishments.
“Natalie, your career with the famed Los Angeles Police Department has reached its foregone conclusion. No more early morning alarms, roll call trainings, mandatory deployment, or missed code 7, lunch breaks,” he said.
“The quasi military lifestyle, that you’ve known for the past 30 years, must now yield. Your time is your time to use as you please. Congratulations on your many accomplishments with the Los Angeles Police Department. Best wishes to you.”
During the celebration, Gipson’s daughter Samantha, rendered a standing room stellar performance dedicated to her loving mom and best friend, singing “Tomorrow”, from the Broadway musical and movie, “Annie.”
“Mommy, I am very proud of you for working so well with LAPD. I am delighted to know that you will be retired and look forward to you moving on with your life. I love you,” said Samantha.
The retirement festivities continued with Gipson receiving many congratulatory scrolls from local, county, state, and federal dignitaries including plaque presentations by the Los Angeles Police Protective League, Oscar Joel Bryant Foundation, and the Association of Black Law Enforcement Executives.
Throughout her career, Gipson was known as a positive role model to others and has always looked for an opportunity to assist employees with their promotional opportunities. She had helped hundreds of employees promote, sworn and non-sworn, inside LAPD and employees with outside agencies. This has been her constant motto for over 25 years, “If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail.”
Lt. Gipson has begun her own company, Career Preparation Professionals, CareerPrepPros, Inc., specializing in Oral Interview preparation. As she settles into her retirement, LAPD will continue to hold a special place in her heart!
