National Basketball Association

Horace Balmer, former NBA security head, dies at 76

Published Aug. 12, 2015 6:16 p.m. ET

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NORFOLK, Va. (AP) Horace Balmer, the head of NBA security from 1985 to 2002, has died. He was 76.

The NBA said Wednesday that Balmer, known as ''Kitibu,'' died Tuesday in Norfolk. The league didn't provide a cause of death.

''Horace Balmer was a great friend and a longtime member of the NBA family,'' NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. ''During his 17-year NBA career, he oversaw the security of events in arenas around the world and built life-long relationships with countless players, teams and league executives. Horace also dedicated himself to assisting those in need, particularly in his hometown of Norfolk, Virginia. Our thoughts and prayers are with Horace's family and friends.''

Balmer was a detective in the New York City Police Department for 20 years. After his retirement from the NBA, he co-founded the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame. Balmer also owned several businesses in New York and Virginia.