Block Back at Work, in ‘Perfect’ Health

Los Angeles County Sheriff Sherman Block returned Wednesday for his first full day of work after an absence of eight weeks and pronounced himself in good health after surgery for prostate cancer.

“My health is perfect,” said Block, 66, who met with reporters in his Hall of Justice office. The sheriff said doctors have reassured him that surgeons have removed the malignancy, and he will not need radiation or chemotherapy during his recovery.

Block, who will mark his 35th year with the department in May, said he intends to complete his current term but has not decided whether he will retire in 1995. “The probability is that this will be the last time I run for sheriff,” he said, “but I won’t say that with absolute certainty.”