Hal McKinney
A Law and Order Friend of WestCare California

The history of WestCare goes deep into the hearts and souls of hundreds of volunteers who have committed their precious personal time to our cause.

Hal McKinney was one of those community leaders who asked the right questions and usually knew the wise and thoughtful answers. 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 to us by joining the newly-created WestCare California Board of Directors.

Sheriff McKinney passed away in Fresno on the First of July, 2010, at the age of 86.

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.'

WestCare has been blessed by our long relationship with this wonderful, kind hearted, exceptionally street-savvy man. One who helped build the strong bridge over which our current and future volunteers will traverse.