Inductee Gates in uniform as Orange County Sheriff-Coroner

Brad Gates, Scott Gates, Buck Bean and Raul Ramos at Rancheros Visitadores

Gates is a 1957 graduate of Capistrano Union High School and alumnus of San Juan Elementary School. An outstanding high school scholar and athlete, he earned his associates of arts degree in police science and administration from Orange Coast College and a bachelors of science degree in criminology from California State University, Long Beach in addition to earning a teaching credential and continuing his peace officer education through certificate and training programs. Gates began his law enforcement career in 1963 and was elected as Orange County Sheriff-Coroner in 1974 at the age of 35, the youngest Sheriff in California history.

As county sheriff, Gates was charged with leading a department of more than 3,000 employees and is responsible for the safety and security of nine Orange County cities and 350 square miles of unincorporated county area serving 600,000 people. Through his efforts, the department developed the Coroner's Forensic Science Center which was one of the first in the nation to process DNA genetic fingerprinting evidence, instituted a community work program and expanded vocational and educational programs available to inmates, just to name a few of his accomplishments.

Personally and professionally, Gates has been and continues to be involved in a number of community and national causes. He was appointed by President George Bush to the President's Drug Advisory Council, served as executive board member of the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, and was co-founder of the "Drug Use is Life Abuse" campaign. He also works with Boy Scouts of America, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, YMCA and National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Following his retirement in 1999, Gates has worked in private industry along with continuing his volunteer and charitable endeavors. Married for 39 years to his wife Diana, Gates has a son and daughter with his first grandchild due to arrive in January 2001.