13 Facts About Sherman Block

Sherman Block was the 29th Sheriff of Los Angeles County, California from January 1982 until his death.

Sherman Block was preceded by Peter Pitchess and succeeded by Lee Baca.

Sherman Block was the grandson of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe.

Sherman Block served in the United States Army for 3.

Sherman Block studied at Washington University in St Louis, where he majored in engineering, before he moved to Los Angeles.

Sherman Block was at first employed as a counterman at a kosher deli there.

In 1956, Sherman Block joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department as a deputy sheriff, becoming the first deputy in the department to work his way through every rank to the top.

In 1962, Sherman Block arrested comedian Lenny Bruce for obscenity, namely using the term "schmuck" during a comedy routine.

Sherman Block had been sent to one of Bruce's performances by his superiors because he spoke Yiddish and thus could follow Bruce's act, which was peppered with the language.

Sherman Block encouraged the viewers to visit a police or sheriff's station and practice using the 911 system for emergencies.

Sherman Block died during his campaign for re-election, which he was expected to win.

Sherman Block still obtained about one third of the vote, as Lee Baca's opponents wanted the County Supervisors to appoint his successor.

Sherman Block's death broke the tradition of the incumbent Sheriff selecting his successor.