Charles Moose, Portland's First Black Police Chief, Dies At 68

PORTLAND, OR — On Thanksgiving night, Charles Moose and his wife, Sandy, were at their home in Palm Harbor, Florida, outside of Tampa. After dinner, he went to his recliner in their living room to watch football.

"He called my name and I came running," Sandy wrote on Facebook.

"But it was too late."

Live in Portland? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and download our free mobile app on Android or iPhone.

Moose, who became Portland's first Black police chief in 1993 and led the Police Bureau for six years, died in his recliner. He was 68 years old.

"I can't think much beyond I need a plan to celebrate this man; my best friend since 1982," Sandy wrote. "He meant so much to so many, I'm at a loss."

Moose was born in New York but grew up in Lexington, North Carolina. After getting a degree from the University of North Carolina in 1975, he moved to Portland, where he joined the police force. One of his professors had suggested the move.

While on the force, Moose continued learning. He even taught at Portland State University. While there — and continuing his job on the police force — he earned a master's degree in public administration and a doctorate in criminology.

His dissertation was on community policing, a topic that would prove helpful for the rest of his career.

As the chief in Portland, as well as in his years leading the Montgomery County Police Department, Moose was praised for improving police-community relations.

As the chief in Montgomery County, he received national attention as he helped lead the investigation into the case known as "The DC Sniper" and "Beltway Sniper."

That case also led to his eventual resignation. The county ethics commission found that a deal he signed to write a book about the sniper case, as well as a consulting contract that he signed to assist on a movie about the case, were violations of his contract.

While he appealed the decision, he stepped down.

He moved to Hawaii, where he worked as a patrol officer in Honolulu for four years. He then retired to Florida with Sandy, whom he had married in 1988.

Back in Portland, Moose was remembered fondly.

"I am deeply saddened by the death of Chief Charles Moose. I feel connected to Chief Moose as he was the first African American Chief," wrote current Police Chief Chuck Lovell, who is also Black.

He described Moose as "a champion of community policing. Chief Moose was a large presence and had a servant's heart. On behalf of PPB, I extend our support to his wife, Sandy, and his loved ones during this struggling time."

Sgt. Pete Simpson, who was the police bureau's public information officer for several years, received his first badge from Moose, said his former boss was "tough as nails but also kind."

"He was larger than life to a young police officer," Simpson wrote, "and I was honored to work for him."