Brad Gates, who during his 24 years as Orange County sheriff became the region’s most influential politician as he helped expand and modernize his department, died Friday at his San Juan Capistrano home, according to the department. He was 85.
“Orange County has lost a legend, and our department has lost one of our most beloved family members,” Sheriff Don Barnes said in a statement Friday.
During six terms in office, Gates earned a reputation as a powerful politician who was a cowboy at heart…