bureaucrat or "one of the good guys", the squad stated he was one of the good guys and not so bad for an FBI agent. Howard continues as FBI Liaison to the LAPD in the series Major Crimes. In season 3, Assistant Chief of Operations Russell Taylor suggests Howard for the job of Deputy Chief of the Special Operations Bureau of the LAPD, pointing out that he is an excellent candidate whose 27 years with the FBI means that he could easily retire with his full pension and start a second career. After helping resolve a hostage situation, Howard ultimately accepts the job and spends his last days as an FBI agent helping solve a case, before officially taking up the job, However, Howard has a heart attack that he keeps secret from all but Tao, including his wife Brenda. This heart attack requires him to wear an external pacemaker. During season 5, Deputy Chief Howard temporarily serves as Acting Assistant Chief of Operations, after Taylor is murdered. In this duty, Howard continues to work alongside the MCD while the LAPD works on a permanent replacement for Taylor. When Commander Leo Mason is promoted to Assistant Chief of Operations, Howard is able to resume his preferred role as Deputy Chief of the Special Operations Bureau. He is also aware of Sharon's impending promotion to the open Commander rank and congratulates her as the last person to call Sharon "Captain". Notes Fictional alcohol abusers Fictional Federal Bureau of Investigation personnel Fictional Los Angeles Police Department officers The Closer characters