Harold McKinney, a lifelong resident of Fresno, passed away in his sleep during the early morning hours of Thursday, July 1, 2010, at the age of 86.
Harold, variously known to his friends as "Hal", "Mac" or "Snuffy", was born Harold Charles McKinney on August 13, 1923, to Dorothy and Clarence McKinney.
He is predeceased by his brother, James Robert McKinney.
Hal and his brother were part of a close-knit group of six boys who grew-up in Fresno during the great depression and called themselves "The Spider Gang". They remained close friends throughout their lives, eventually referring to their group simply as "The Gang" who regularly got together for group dinners and events.
Like the rest of the Spider Gang, Hal joined the service in 1941 and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in Europe. After the war, he returned to Fresno and went to work at Peerless Pump along with a number of other returning veterans.
Upon the recommendation of his friend Bill Cunningham, the last surviving member of The Spider Gang, he applied for a position in the newly expanding Fresno County Sheriff's Department. The requirements for employment were simple: you needed to be at least six feet tall, own a gun and a Stetson hat. With a loan for the gun and hat, Hal McKinney began a career with the Fresno County Sheriff's Department, which would span nearly four decades and see him advance from Court Bailiff to Sheriff.
He attended school at night, worked two jobs and over time managed to earn a Masters Degree in Criminology.
He was a graduate of the FBI Academy and was the first college educated Sheriff, ushering in the era of modern policing in Fresno County.
Hal retired from the Department in 1987, after eleven years as Sheriff and began a new career teaching at California State University, Fresno. During that time he also did a twice per week commentary spot called "My Viewpoint" on the Channel 30, nightly news.
Hal retired from teaching in 2005, but remained politically active and served on the Board of Directors for WestCare California.
He is survived by his children, Cheryl McKinney Paul of Alexandria, Virginia, Kathleen McKinney of Fresno, California, James McKinney of Guerneville, California, and John McKinney of Portland, Oregon; step-children, Kevin Webb and Kristine Waters; his grandchildren, Alyssa, Sean, Cara, Jamie, Abigayle, Trevor and Logan; and he was great-papa to, Ian, Hannah, Tyler and Kathryn.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 5770 N. Maroa, in Fresno on Thursday, July 8, 2010, at 10:00 a.m.
WHITEHURST, SULLIVAN, BURNS & BLAIR Funeral Home 1525 East Saginaw Way Fresno, California.
Published in the Fresno Bee from July 4 to July 5, 2010
∼Harold Charles "Hal" McKinney was born on Aug. 13, 1923 in Fresno, CA., to Dorothy and Clarence McKinney, a captain on the Fresno City Fire Department.
Hal grew up on Lewis Street in Fresno. He and his brother were part of a close-knit group of six boys who grew-up in Fresno during the great depression and called themselves "The Spider Gang". The group gave Hal the nickname Snuffy after a newspaper comic character at the time. They remained close friends throughout their lives, eventually referring to their group simply as "The Gang" who regularly got together for group dinners and events.
Hal attended local schools, graduating from Fresno Technical High School in 1941. That fall, prior to war breaking out, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served 2 ½ years in Europe during World War II.
After his discharge, he returned to Fresno and worked several years for Peerless Pumps. Upon the recommendation of his friend Bill Cunningham, the last surviving member of The Spider Gang, he applied for a position in the newly expanding Fresno County Sheriff's Department. The requirements for employment were simple: you needed to be at least six feet tall, own a gun and a Stetson hat. With a loan for the hat and gun, Hal McKinney began a career with the Fresno County Sheriff's Department.
In June 1950, he was hired by the Sheriff's Office, serving as a bailiff. As a reservist, he was called back to the army in September 1950, for service during the Korean conflict.
He returned to the Sheriff's Office in April of 1952, working full time in the jail, and later as a narcotics officer. He attended Fresno State College while working full-time, earning his bachelor's and master's degrees in criminology. He rose through the ranks to the position of undersheriff. He was a graduate of the FBI Academy and was the first college educated Sheriff, ushering in the era of modern policing in Fresno County.
He was appointed sheriff-coroner by the Board of Supervisors, replacing Sheriff Guy Langley, and was sworn in on July 7, 1975.
Sheriff McKinney was the last Sheriff-Coroner of Fresno County. Feeling that it was a conflict of interest for the sheriff to administer the coroner functions, he convinced the Board of Supervisors to create a separate coroner's office in the late 1970's, and the coroner's post was moved to the public administrator's office.
Sheriff McKinney, who believed education was key to future leadership in law enforcement, instilled that in the Fresno county sheriff department, encouraging his deputies to continue their education. He led the department into the computer age, introducing computerized dispatching and records systems. To meet the expanding role deputies were forced to face, he organized the department's S.W.A.T. Team and Bomb Squad. The planning and initial construction of the new main jail at the northwest corner of Fresno and M Streets, took place towards the end of his administration.
In the late 1970's prison gang activity on the streets of Fresno County led to a spike in the number of homicides. A record fifty-one cases were investigated in the unincorporated areas in 1977. Among the more notable cases solved during Sheriff McKinney's term of office were the 1977 arrest of the serial killer, David McGown, who had murdered several young girls in East Fresno, the case of Fernando Caro, who killed two young cousins near Fowler in August 1980, the Fran's Market murders of September 1980, the 1984 case of Steve Catlin, the serial wife-poisoner, and the 1984-85 investigation of the serial prostitute killer, Wilbur Jennings.
He was elected in his own right in 1978 and 1982, and chose not to run for re-election in 1986. He retired in 1987, after nearly forty years of service to the department, with eleven as sheriff. After retiring from the department he taught criminology classes at Fresno City College and California State University, Fresno. He also appeared for several years as a commentator on local issues on a twice per week commentary spot called "My Viewpoint" at a local television station.
He served many years on the Board of The Third Floor program in the 1980s while he was still Sheriff of Fresno County. Then, following retirement, he continued with his civic commitment by joining the newly-created WestCare California Board of Directors.
Often described as tough, very opinionated, he made no secret of the fact he took pride in being a 'tough cop.' But he also had the acute realization, through his work and family life, that addictions are far easier and less expensive to treat outside the incarceration environment. That said, he also crusaded for personal accountability and punishment when all else fails. In that regard, his reputation was one that could be affectionately and respectfully called 'the velvet hammer.'
Also considered kind-hearted, with an incredible sense of humor, Mr. McKinney was the father of four children.
With his daughter by his side, Mr. McKinney passed away in his sleep during the early morning hours on July 01, 2010 at his Fresno home at the age of 86, after a long battle with cancer.
He is predeceased by his brother, James Robert McKinney.
He is survived by his children: two daughters and two sons; two step-children; his seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Son James McKinney tried to sum up what his Dad meant to so many. "Harold McKinney was a husband twice, a father, a law enforcement officer, a politician, a leader, a teacher. He was intelligent, ambitious, hard working, persevering, honest, caring, gifted and flawed."
Hal McKinney's legacy lives on through the lives of those he touched every day.
A memorial service for former Fresno County Sheriff Harold McKinney was held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 5770 N. Maroa Ave., Fresno, with Rev. Msgr. Ronald D. Wenzinger presiding.
Sources: Former Fresno County Sheriff's biography, Harold McKinney Obituary, WestCare Memorial Tribute, and various news articles.
Harold, variously known to his friends as "Hal", "Mac" or "Snuffy", was born Harold Charles McKinney on August 13, 1923, to Dorothy and Clarence McKinney.
He is predeceased by his brother, James Robert McKinney.
Hal and his brother were part of a close-knit group of six boys who grew-up in Fresno during the great depression and called themselves "The Spider Gang". They remained close friends throughout their lives, eventually referring to their group simply as "The Gang" who regularly got together for group dinners and events.
Like the rest of the Spider Gang, Hal joined the service in 1941 and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in Europe. After the war, he returned to Fresno and went to work at Peerless Pump along with a number of other returning veterans.
Upon the recommendation of his friend Bill Cunningham, the last surviving member of The Spider Gang, he applied for a position in the newly expanding Fresno County Sheriff's Department. The requirements for employment were simple: you needed to be at least six feet tall, own a gun and a Stetson hat. With a loan for the gun and hat, Hal McKinney began a career with the Fresno County Sheriff's Department, which would span nearly four decades and see him advance from Court Bailiff to Sheriff.
He attended school at night, worked two jobs and over time managed to earn a Masters Degree in Criminology.
He was a graduate of the FBI Academy and was the first college educated Sheriff, ushering in the era of modern policing in Fresno County.
Hal retired from the Department in 1987, after eleven years as Sheriff and began a new career teaching at California State University, Fresno. During that time he also did a twice per week commentary spot called "My Viewpoint" on the Channel 30, nightly news.
Hal retired from teaching in 2005, but remained politically active and served on the Board of Directors for WestCare California.
He is survived by his children, Cheryl McKinney Paul of Alexandria, Virginia, Kathleen McKinney of Fresno, California, James McKinney of Guerneville, California, and John McKinney of Portland, Oregon; step-children, Kevin Webb and Kristine Waters; his grandchildren, Alyssa, Sean, Cara, Jamie, Abigayle, Trevor and Logan; and he was great-papa to, Ian, Hannah, Tyler and Kathryn.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 5770 N. Maroa, in Fresno on Thursday, July 8, 2010, at 10:00 a.m.
WHITEHURST, SULLIVAN, BURNS & BLAIR Funeral Home 1525 East Saginaw Way Fresno, California.
Published in the Fresno Bee from July 4 to July 5, 2010
∼Harold Charles "Hal" McKinney was born on Aug. 13, 1923 in Fresno, CA., to Dorothy and Clarence McKinney, a captain on the Fresno City Fire Department.
Hal grew up on Lewis Street in Fresno. He and his brother were part of a close-knit group of six boys who grew-up in Fresno during the great depression and called themselves "The Spider Gang". The group gave Hal the nickname Snuffy after a newspaper comic character at the time. They remained close friends throughout their lives, eventually referring to their group simply as "The Gang" who regularly got together for group dinners and events.
Hal attended local schools, graduating from Fresno Technical High School in 1941. That fall, prior to war breaking out, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served 2 ½ years in Europe during World War II.
After his discharge, he returned to Fresno and worked several years for Peerless Pumps. Upon the recommendation of his friend Bill Cunningham, the last surviving member of The Spider Gang, he applied for a position in the newly expanding Fresno County Sheriff's Department. The requirements for employment were simple: you needed to be at least six feet tall, own a gun and a Stetson hat. With a loan for the hat and gun, Hal McKinney began a career with the Fresno County Sheriff's Department.
In June 1950, he was hired by the Sheriff's Office, serving as a bailiff. As a reservist, he was called back to the army in September 1950, for service during the Korean conflict.
He returned to the Sheriff's Office in April of 1952, working full time in the jail, and later as a narcotics officer. He attended Fresno State College while working full-time, earning his bachelor's and master's degrees in criminology. He rose through the ranks to the position of undersheriff. He was a graduate of the FBI Academy and was the first college educated Sheriff, ushering in the era of modern policing in Fresno County.
He was appointed sheriff-coroner by the Board of Supervisors, replacing Sheriff Guy Langley, and was sworn in on July 7, 1975.
Sheriff McKinney was the last Sheriff-Coroner of Fresno County. Feeling that it was a conflict of interest for the sheriff to administer the coroner functions, he convinced the Board of Supervisors to create a separate coroner's office in the late 1970's, and the coroner's post was moved to the public administrator's office.
Sheriff McKinney, who believed education was key to future leadership in law enforcement, instilled that in the Fresno county sheriff department, encouraging his deputies to continue their education. He led the department into the computer age, introducing computerized dispatching and records systems. To meet the expanding role deputies were forced to face, he organized the department's S.W.A.T. Team and Bomb Squad. The planning and initial construction of the new main jail at the northwest corner of Fresno and M Streets, took place towards the end of his administration.
In the late 1970's prison gang activity on the streets of Fresno County led to a spike in the number of homicides. A record fifty-one cases were investigated in the unincorporated areas in 1977. Among the more notable cases solved during Sheriff McKinney's term of office were the 1977 arrest of the serial killer, David McGown, who had murdered several young girls in East Fresno, the case of Fernando Caro, who killed two young cousins near Fowler in August 1980, the Fran's Market murders of September 1980, the 1984 case of Steve Catlin, the serial wife-poisoner, and the 1984-85 investigation of the serial prostitute killer, Wilbur Jennings.
He was elected in his own right in 1978 and 1982, and chose not to run for re-election in 1986. He retired in 1987, after nearly forty years of service to the department, with eleven as sheriff. After retiring from the department he taught criminology classes at Fresno City College and California State University, Fresno. He also appeared for several years as a commentator on local issues on a twice per week commentary spot called "My Viewpoint" at a local television station.
He served many years on the Board of The Third Floor program in the 1980s while he was still Sheriff of Fresno County. Then, following retirement, he continued with his civic commitment by joining the newly-created WestCare California Board of Directors.
Often described as tough, very opinionated, he made no secret of the fact he took pride in being a 'tough cop.' But he also had the acute realization, through his work and family life, that addictions are far easier and less expensive to treat outside the incarceration environment. That said, he also crusaded for personal accountability and punishment when all else fails. In that regard, his reputation was one that could be affectionately and respectfully called 'the velvet hammer.'
Also considered kind-hearted, with an incredible sense of humor, Mr. McKinney was the father of four children.
With his daughter by his side, Mr. McKinney passed away in his sleep during the early morning hours on July 01, 2010 at his Fresno home at the age of 86, after a long battle with cancer.
He is predeceased by his brother, James Robert McKinney.
He is survived by his children: two daughters and two sons; two step-children; his seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Son James McKinney tried to sum up what his Dad meant to so many. "Harold McKinney was a husband twice, a father, a law enforcement officer, a politician, a leader, a teacher. He was intelligent, ambitious, hard working, persevering, honest, caring, gifted and flawed."
Hal McKinney's legacy lives on through the lives of those he touched every day.
A memorial service for former Fresno County Sheriff Harold McKinney was held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 5770 N. Maroa Ave., Fresno, with Rev. Msgr. Ronald D. Wenzinger presiding.
Sources: Former Fresno County Sheriff's biography, Harold McKinney Obituary, WestCare Memorial Tribute, and various news articles.
Harold McKinney, a lifelong resident of Fresno, passed away in his sleep during the early morning hours of Thursday, July 1, 2010, at the age of 86.
Harold, variously known to his friends as "Hal", "Mac" or "Snuffy", was born Harold Charles McKinney on August 13, 1923, to Dorothy and Clarence McKinney.
He is predeceased by his brother, James Robert McKinney.
Hal and his brother were part of a close-knit group of six boys who grew-up in Fresno during the great depression and called themselves "The Spider Gang". They remained close friends throughout their lives, eventually referring to their group simply as "The Gang" who regularly got together for group dinners and events.
Like the rest of the Spider Gang, Hal joined the service in 1941 and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in Europe. After the war, he returned to Fresno and went to work at Peerless Pump along with a number of other returning veterans.
Upon the recommendation of his friend Bill Cunningham, the last surviving member of The Spider Gang, he applied for a position in the newly expanding Fresno County Sheriff's Department. The requirements for employment were simple: you needed to be at least six feet tall, own a gun and a Stetson hat. With a loan for the gun and hat, Hal McKinney began a career with the Fresno County Sheriff's Department, which would span nearly four decades and see him advance from Court Bailiff to Sheriff.
He attended school at night, worked two jobs and over time managed to earn a Masters Degree in Criminology.
He was a graduate of the FBI Academy and was the first college educated Sheriff, ushering in the era of modern policing in Fresno County.
Hal retired from the Department in 1987, after eleven years as Sheriff and began a new career teaching at California State University, Fresno. During that time he also did a twice per week commentary spot called "My Viewpoint" on the Channel 30, nightly news.
Hal retired from teaching in 2005, but remained politically active and served on the Board of Directors for WestCare California.
He is survived by his children, Cheryl McKinney Paul of Alexandria, Virginia, Kathleen McKinney of Fresno, California, James McKinney of Guerneville, California, and John McKinney of Portland, Oregon; step-children, Kevin Webb and Kristine Waters; his grandchildren, Alyssa, Sean, Cara, Jamie, Abigayle, Trevor and Logan; and he was great-papa to, Ian, Hannah, Tyler and Kathryn.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 5770 N. Maroa, in Fresno on Thursday, July 8, 2010, at 10:00 a.m.
WHITEHURST, SULLIVAN, BURNS & BLAIR Funeral Home 1525 East Saginaw Way Fresno, California.
Published in the Fresno Bee from July 4 to July 5, 2010
∼Harold Charles "Hal" McKinney was born on Aug. 13, 1923 in Fresno, CA., to Dorothy and Clarence McKinney, a captain on the Fresno City Fire Department.
Hal grew up on Lewis Street in Fresno. He and his brother were part of a close-knit group of six boys who grew-up in Fresno during the great depression and called themselves "The Spider Gang". The group gave Hal the nickname Snuffy after a newspaper comic character at the time. They remained close friends throughout their lives, eventually referring to their group simply as "The Gang" who regularly got together for group dinners and events.
Hal attended local schools, graduating from Fresno Technical High School in 1941. That fall, prior to war breaking out, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served 2 ½ years in Europe during World War II.
After his discharge, he returned to Fresno and worked several years for Peerless Pumps. Upon the recommendation of his friend Bill Cunningham, the last surviving member of The Spider Gang, he applied for a position in the newly expanding Fresno County Sheriff's Department. The requirements for employment were simple: you needed to be at least six feet tall, own a gun and a Stetson hat. With a loan for the hat and gun, Hal McKinney began a career with the Fresno County Sheriff's Department.
In June 1950, he was hired by the Sheriff's Office, serving as a bailiff. As a reservist, he was called back to the army in September 1950, for service during the Korean conflict.
He returned to the Sheriff's Office in April of 1952, working full time in the jail, and later as a narcotics officer. He attended Fresno State College while working full-time, earning his bachelor's and master's degrees in criminology. He rose through the ranks to the position of undersheriff. He was a graduate of the FBI Academy and was the first college educated Sheriff, ushering in the era of modern policing in Fresno County.
He was appointed sheriff-coroner by the Board of Supervisors, replacing Sheriff Guy Langley, and was sworn in on July 7, 1975.
Sheriff McKinney was the last Sheriff-Coroner of Fresno County. Feeling that it was a conflict of interest for the sheriff to administer the coroner functions, he convinced the Board of Supervisors to create a separate coroner's office in the late 1970's, and the coroner's post was moved to the public administrator's office.
Sheriff McKinney, who believed education was key to future leadership in law enforcement, instilled that in the Fresno county sheriff department, encouraging his deputies to continue their education. He led the department into the computer age, introducing computerized dispatching and records systems. To meet the expanding role deputies were forced to face, he organized the department's S.W.A.T. Team and Bomb Squad. The planning and initial construction of the new main jail at the northwest corner of Fresno and M Streets, took place towards the end of his administration.
In the late 1970's prison gang activity on the streets of Fresno County led to a spike in the number of homicides. A record fifty-one cases were investigated in the unincorporated areas in 1977. Among the more notable cases solved during Sheriff McKinney's term of office were the 1977 arrest of the serial killer, David McGown, who had murdered several young girls in East Fresno, the case of Fernando Caro, who killed two young cousins near Fowler in August 1980, the Fran's Market murders of September 1980, the 1984 case of Steve Catlin, the serial wife-poisoner, and the 1984-85 investigation of the serial prostitute killer, Wilbur Jennings.
He was elected in his own right in 1978 and 1982, and chose not to run for re-election in 1986. He retired in 1987, after nearly forty years of service to the department, with eleven as sheriff. After retiring from the department he taught criminology classes at Fresno City College and California State University, Fresno. He also appeared for several years as a commentator on local issues on a twice per week commentary spot called "My Viewpoint" at a local television station.
He served many years on the Board of The Third Floor program in the 1980s while he was still Sheriff of Fresno County. Then, following retirement, he continued with his civic commitment by joining the newly-created WestCare California Board of Directors.
Often described as tough, very opinionated, he made no secret of the fact he took pride in being a 'tough cop.' But he also had the acute realization, through his work and family life, that addictions are far easier and less expensive to treat outside the incarceration environment. That said, he also crusaded for personal accountability and punishment when all else fails. In that regard, his reputation was one that could be affectionately and respectfully called 'the velvet hammer.'
Also considered kind-hearted, with an incredible sense of humor, Mr. McKinney was the father of four children.
With his daughter by his side, Mr. McKinney passed away in his sleep during the early morning hours on July 01, 2010 at his Fresno home at the age of 86, after a long battle with cancer.
He is predeceased by his brother, James Robert McKinney.
He is survived by his children: two daughters and two sons; two step-children; his seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Son James McKinney tried to sum up what his Dad meant to so many. "Harold McKinney was a husband twice, a father, a law enforcement officer, a politician, a leader, a teacher. He was intelligent, ambitious, hard working, persevering, honest, caring, gifted and flawed."
Hal McKinney's legacy lives on through the lives of those he touched every day.
A memorial service for former Fresno County Sheriff Harold McKinney was held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 5770 N. Maroa Ave., Fresno, with Rev. Msgr. Ronald D. Wenzinger presiding.
Sources: Former Fresno County Sheriff's biography, Harold McKinney Obituary, WestCare Memorial Tribute, and various news articles.
Harold, variously known to his friends as "Hal", "Mac" or "Snuffy", was born Harold Charles McKinney on August 13, 1923, to Dorothy and Clarence McKinney.
He is predeceased by his brother, James Robert McKinney.
Hal and his brother were part of a close-knit group of six boys who grew-up in Fresno during the great depression and called themselves "The Spider Gang". They remained close friends throughout their lives, eventually referring to their group simply as "The Gang" who regularly got together for group dinners and events.
Like the rest of the Spider Gang, Hal joined the service in 1941 and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in Europe. After the war, he returned to Fresno and went to work at Peerless Pump along with a number of other returning veterans.
Upon the recommendation of his friend Bill Cunningham, the last surviving member of The Spider Gang, he applied for a position in the newly expanding Fresno County Sheriff's Department. The requirements for employment were simple: you needed to be at least six feet tall, own a gun and a Stetson hat. With a loan for the gun and hat, Hal McKinney began a career with the Fresno County Sheriff's Department, which would span nearly four decades and see him advance from Court Bailiff to Sheriff.
He attended school at night, worked two jobs and over time managed to earn a Masters Degree in Criminology.
He was a graduate of the FBI Academy and was the first college educated Sheriff, ushering in the era of modern policing in Fresno County.
Hal retired from the Department in 1987, after eleven years as Sheriff and began a new career teaching at California State University, Fresno. During that time he also did a twice per week commentary spot called "My Viewpoint" on the Channel 30, nightly news.
Hal retired from teaching in 2005, but remained politically active and served on the Board of Directors for WestCare California.
He is survived by his children, Cheryl McKinney Paul of Alexandria, Virginia, Kathleen McKinney of Fresno, California, James McKinney of Guerneville, California, and John McKinney of Portland, Oregon; step-children, Kevin Webb and Kristine Waters; his grandchildren, Alyssa, Sean, Cara, Jamie, Abigayle, Trevor and Logan; and he was great-papa to, Ian, Hannah, Tyler and Kathryn.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 5770 N. Maroa, in Fresno on Thursday, July 8, 2010, at 10:00 a.m.
WHITEHURST, SULLIVAN, BURNS & BLAIR Funeral Home 1525 East Saginaw Way Fresno, California.
Published in the Fresno Bee from July 4 to July 5, 2010
∼Harold Charles "Hal" McKinney was born on Aug. 13, 1923 in Fresno, CA., to Dorothy and Clarence McKinney, a captain on the Fresno City Fire Department.
Hal grew up on Lewis Street in Fresno. He and his brother were part of a close-knit group of six boys who grew-up in Fresno during the great depression and called themselves "The Spider Gang". The group gave Hal the nickname Snuffy after a newspaper comic character at the time. They remained close friends throughout their lives, eventually referring to their group simply as "The Gang" who regularly got together for group dinners and events.
Hal attended local schools, graduating from Fresno Technical High School in 1941. That fall, prior to war breaking out, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served 2 ½ years in Europe during World War II.
After his discharge, he returned to Fresno and worked several years for Peerless Pumps. Upon the recommendation of his friend Bill Cunningham, the last surviving member of The Spider Gang, he applied for a position in the newly expanding Fresno County Sheriff's Department. The requirements for employment were simple: you needed to be at least six feet tall, own a gun and a Stetson hat. With a loan for the hat and gun, Hal McKinney began a career with the Fresno County Sheriff's Department.
In June 1950, he was hired by the Sheriff's Office, serving as a bailiff. As a reservist, he was called back to the army in September 1950, for service during the Korean conflict.
He returned to the Sheriff's Office in April of 1952, working full time in the jail, and later as a narcotics officer. He attended Fresno State College while working full-time, earning his bachelor's and master's degrees in criminology. He rose through the ranks to the position of undersheriff. He was a graduate of the FBI Academy and was the first college educated Sheriff, ushering in the era of modern policing in Fresno County.
He was appointed sheriff-coroner by the Board of Supervisors, replacing Sheriff Guy Langley, and was sworn in on July 7, 1975.
Sheriff McKinney was the last Sheriff-Coroner of Fresno County. Feeling that it was a conflict of interest for the sheriff to administer the coroner functions, he convinced the Board of Supervisors to create a separate coroner's office in the late 1970's, and the coroner's post was moved to the public administrator's office.
Sheriff McKinney, who believed education was key to future leadership in law enforcement, instilled that in the Fresno county sheriff department, encouraging his deputies to continue their education. He led the department into the computer age, introducing computerized dispatching and records systems. To meet the expanding role deputies were forced to face, he organized the department's S.W.A.T. Team and Bomb Squad. The planning and initial construction of the new main jail at the northwest corner of Fresno and M Streets, took place towards the end of his administration.
In the late 1970's prison gang activity on the streets of Fresno County led to a spike in the number of homicides. A record fifty-one cases were investigated in the unincorporated areas in 1977. Among the more notable cases solved during Sheriff McKinney's term of office were the 1977 arrest of the serial killer, David McGown, who had murdered several young girls in East Fresno, the case of Fernando Caro, who killed two young cousins near Fowler in August 1980, the Fran's Market murders of September 1980, the 1984 case of Steve Catlin, the serial wife-poisoner, and the 1984-85 investigation of the serial prostitute killer, Wilbur Jennings.
He was elected in his own right in 1978 and 1982, and chose not to run for re-election in 1986. He retired in 1987, after nearly forty years of service to the department, with eleven as sheriff. After retiring from the department he taught criminology classes at Fresno City College and California State University, Fresno. He also appeared for several years as a commentator on local issues on a twice per week commentary spot called "My Viewpoint" at a local television station.
He served many years on the Board of The Third Floor program in the 1980s while he was still Sheriff of Fresno County. Then, following retirement, he continued with his civic commitment by joining the newly-created WestCare California Board of Directors.
Often described as tough, very opinionated, he made no secret of the fact he took pride in being a 'tough cop.' But he also had the acute realization, through his work and family life, that addictions are far easier and less expensive to treat outside the incarceration environment. That said, he also crusaded for personal accountability and punishment when all else fails. In that regard, his reputation was one that could be affectionately and respectfully called 'the velvet hammer.'
Also considered kind-hearted, with an incredible sense of humor, Mr. McKinney was the father of four children.
With his daughter by his side, Mr. McKinney passed away in his sleep during the early morning hours on July 01, 2010 at his Fresno home at the age of 86, after a long battle with cancer.
He is predeceased by his brother, James Robert McKinney.
He is survived by his children: two daughters and two sons; two step-children; his seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Son James McKinney tried to sum up what his Dad meant to so many. "Harold McKinney was a husband twice, a father, a law enforcement officer, a politician, a leader, a teacher. He was intelligent, ambitious, hard working, persevering, honest, caring, gifted and flawed."
Hal McKinney's legacy lives on through the lives of those he touched every day.
A memorial service for former Fresno County Sheriff Harold McKinney was held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 5770 N. Maroa Ave., Fresno, with Rev. Msgr. Ronald D. Wenzinger presiding.
Sources: Former Fresno County Sheriff's biography, Harold McKinney Obituary, WestCare Memorial Tribute, and various news articles.
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