Police sergeant Andy Kline, 47, dies Police sergeant Andy Kline, 47, dies (November 09, 2005)

Andrew Maurice "Andy" Kline of Menlo Park, a sergeant with the Menlo Park Police Department, died November 2 after a year-long battle with cancer. He was 47.

Memorial services were held November 5 at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church.

Sgt. Kline, a 23-year veteran with the Menlo Park Police Department, was born in Palo Alto and grew up in Menlo Park.

He attended Ravenswood High School in East Palo Alto and graduated from Menlo College with a bachelor's degree.

After beginning his career as a reserve deputy with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, he joined the Menlo Park Police Department in 1980.

He worked as a field training officer, traffic officer, detective, hostage negotiator and range instructor before being promoted to sergeant in July 1, 2001.

A swing-shift patrol sergeant, he also was in charge of the department's hostage negotiators, SWAT team, and canine officers.

He received many commendations for his leadership ability, said Menlo Park Police Chief Christopher Boyd.

An avid San Francisco Giants fan, Sgt. Kline was a season ticket holder and rarely missed a game at the ballpark, say family members.

He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Rebecca Phillips-Kline, a sergeant in the Palo Alto Police Department; his mother, Jeanne; brother Jon; and sister Kathy.

Contributions in memory of Sgt. Kline may be sent to the Menlo Park Police Foundation, 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025.

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