To commemorate the Motor Centennial the Long Beach Police Motor Patrol Association commissioned Artist Thomas Marsh to produce a bronze bust of former Motor Sgt. Gil Smith. The Bust was unveiled during the Motor Centennial Dinner on Aug 21st at the Petroleum Club. The lobby of the Downtown Police Station will be the home of the Bust. It will be floor mounted on Thursday, September 10th at 11:00 am in the Downtown Station Lobby. The Gil Smith family which includes his son Long Beach Police Sergeant Devin Stribich will be attending along with several motor officers and members of the LB Historical Society.

Sergeant Gil Smith was selected because of his reputation as an outstanding motor officer and because he was the longest riding motor officer in the Department's history. Sgt. Smith rode motors for 33 years. Born May 13th, 1918, Sgt. Smith served in the U.S. Army, Hdq. Co. 6th Rangers during WWII. He was awarded the Soldier's Medal for saving the life of one of the men in his company. Sgt. Smith joined the LBPD in March of 1941 and later promoted to Sergeant. He rode Motors for 33 years making him the longest riding motor in the history of the Department. Sgt. Smith retired January 13th 1978, with 37 years of service. He passed away on January 13th, 1996.