Dennis John Robbins

Dennis John Robbins, 66, born on July 1, 1953, in Long Beach, CA, peacefully passed away January 3, 2020. He resided in Seal Beach, CA at the time of his passing.

Born in Long Beach and raised in Buena Park, California, Dennis took an interest in law enforcement at a young age. After serving three years in the United States Army as an air traffic controller, he graduated from the Orange County Sheriff's Academy 1979 attaining the top academic score for his recruit class and commencing his law enforcement career with the Long Beach Police Department.

While on patrol on Easter Sunday 1980, he was critically wounded by a violent felon. The assailant was eventually captured and convicted of attempted murder. Following months of physical rehabilitation, Dennis elected not to retire and instead returned to work with the same commitment and enthusiasm that he had previously exhibited. Dennis joined the Sex Crimes Detail where he served for six years investigating sensitive cases involving adult and juvenile victims of sexual assaults and related violent crimes. During this period, Dennis became an expert in human trafficking crimes. In January 1986, Dennis was assigned to the highly regarded Homicide Detail, where he served with great distinction for 23 years.

During his career with LBPD, Dennis successfully investigated many challenging homicide cases. He received numerous awards during his remarkable career. In 2005, the Long Beach Police Department awarded him the prestigious Richard A. Rose Career Achievement Award in recognition of his devotion to duty, his integrity, and his success as an investigator. Dennis previously received the Long Beach Police Department Meritorious Service award for rescuing a 6-year-old girl being held by a sex registrant in his apartment. In addition, Dennis received the Purple Heart for gunshot wound received in the line of duty.

Dennis served the District Attorney's Office for four years as a Hearing Officer, following a distinguished 37-year career as an exceptional homicide detective and cold case investigator with the Long Beach Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Inglewood Police Department. Dennis touched countless lives during his tenure with the justice system. He was an exceptional role-model, mentor, friend, and colleague. Dennis was as a "full-time partner in prosecution" and "simply the very best."

Dennis is survived by his wife of 30 years, Heidi Robbins, as well as his two children, Eric and Kristin, and his brother Randy Robbins, a retired Long Beach Police Department detective. Dennis was a beloved husband, father, brother, brother-in-law and uncle. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service for Dennis is scheduled for Friday, January, 17, 2020 at 12:00 pm

Seacoast Grace Church (West Auditorium)
5100 West Cerritos Avenue
Cypress, CA 90630

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Dennis Robbins' name to The Long Beach Police Officers Association's, Memorial Widows and Orphans Emergency and Scholarship Trust Fund, c/o LBPOA, 2865 Temple Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90755 (or visit Longbeachpoa.org, Widows and Orphans Fund.)

Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Cypress, California.