Former Detroit Politician Gilbert 'Gil' Hill Dies At Age 84
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) -- Former Detroit city council president Gilbert "Gil" Hill has died at the age of 84.
Hill had been admitted to the hospital on Feb. 17 with a case of pneumonia.
Detroit's Sinai Grace Hospital spokeswoman Bree Glenn says Hill died Monday afternoon. A cause of death was not released.
Hill was a former Detroit police inspector and ran against Kwame Kilpatrick in the 2001 mayoral election. He also had a stint as an actor, playing Inspector Douglas Todd in the "Beverly Hills Cop" films.
WWJ City Beat reporter Vickie Thomas says Hill had high hopes for a political career in Detroit.
"He wanted to be mayor, of course," Thomas said. "That did not happen, but he did serve the people of Detroit on the city council for quite a few years."
Hill was elected to the city council in 1989 and later was elected president.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said Monday night that Hill "never stopped believing in our city and dedicated his life to making our city a better place for all."
Former Detroit mayor Dennis Archer said Hill was devoted to the city.
"I've always had a deep respect for Gil Hill and his commitment to the city and to the community which he loved," Archer said. "He was an outstanding -- in my view -- police officer."
Friend of Hill's and political commentator, Adolph Mongo, described Hill as a "Cop's cop," who would have made a great mayor for the city.
PUBLIC VIEWING:
Swanson Funeral Home
14751 W. McNichols Rd.
Detroit, MI
313 272-9000
Thursday - March 10, 2016, Noon - 8 p.m.
Friday - March 11, 2016, 10 a.m - 8 p.m.
Funeral will be held at St. Phillips Lutheran Church, 2884 E. Grand Blvd., in Detroit on Saturday - March 12 at noon.
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