Gary Yamamoto,Retired Fairbanks Police Department Sgt. Has Died
The Fairbanks community and the Fairbanks Police Department are mourning the loss of retired Sergeant Gary Yamamoto, who passed away recently after a distinguished 24-year career in law enforcement.
Sgt. Yamamoto began his service in April 1993 and retired in January 2017. He was a cornerstone of the department’s Traffic Unit, renowned as a top DUI enforcement officer whose dedication significantly enhanced roadway safety for all. For years, he served as a Datamaster Supervisor, expertly training FPD officers and those from other agencies in the critical skill of DUI investigation.
His expertise extended to supervising the traffic accident investigation team, where his precise scene measurements aided local, state, and federal investigations. Beyond traffic enforcement, Gary was a committed mentor, coordinating the Field Training Officer program and guiding countless new officers. His exemplary work earned him multiple state and local awards for traffic safety.
Gary was more than an officer; he was a beloved supervisor whose legacy of professionalism and dedication to public safety will endure. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Patty, their children, and all who knew and loved him. His contributions to Fairbanks will not be forgotten.
