Mike Diaz

Mike is a baby boomer who was raised in East Los Angeles. Mike joined the United States Air Force in 1967 and served a one-year tour of duty in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. In 1971, Mike was honorably discharged from the USAF and joined the Ontario Police Department, where he worked for two years. He then switched to the Los Angeles Police Department in April of 1973. After many assignments throughout the department, Mike landed a position as the Hollywood Division patrol adjutant, working directly for the patrol captain. It was in that position that Mike found himself taking several actors on department- approved research patrol rides and advising/training them on police procedures and tactics. Mike assisted Valerie Cruz to prepare her for her role in "Cellular," Matt Dillon for his role in "Crash" and Donna Marie Ricco for her role in "Vicious Circle," to name a few. It was Ms. Ricco who convinced Mike to read for the part of Senior Sergeant Gomez, the crusty veteran who is partnered up with rookie Sergeant Berger. Writer/Director Paul Boyd and his lovely wife, Angelyna, gave Mike the part - his first acting role - and the rest is history. Mike's latest actor-assist was with his friend, Valerie Cruz, for her role as a Police Lieutenant in the "Dresden Files." Mike is still an active member of the Los Angeles Police Department.