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Treasures of Los Angeles Honors One of LAPD's Finest
Officer Deon Joseph - "Skid Row SLO"
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Officer Deon Joseph, the "Skid Row SLO," practices community-based policing		  

Treasures of Los Angeles Honors One of LAPD's Finest

April 29, 2011

Podcast Honoring One of LAPD's Finest

On Thursday April 28, 2011, Police Officer Deon Joseph was honored at the Central City Association's 17th annual “Treasures of Los Angeles” awards banquet. Officer Joseph is a 16 year veteran with the Los Angeles Police Department. From day one he has worked putting bad guys behind bars and helping the disadvantaged. Officer Joseph's true passion exploded while being the Senior Lead Officer in charge of the skid row area. He is known as a true hero there. He has worked day and night to keep the skid row community free from crime and disorder. He doesn't do it because he has to; he does it because he wants to. The people of skid row feel secure knowing that Officer Joseph will do whatever it takes to keep them safe.

Before accepting his award, the Central City Association showed a short film on the work and progress Officer Joseph has made in the skid row area. One resident stated, “I wish there were more Officer Joseph's in this world.”

 
He was recently given the “Hero for Hope” award for Outstanding Community Service by the Los Angeles Rescue Union, and in 2007 Parade Magazine and the International Association of Chief of Police declared him to be one of the nation's top police officers.

Joseph has developed several programs for the youth living on skid row, one being called “Just Like U.” This program is designed to keep inner-city youth out of gangs and away from the temptation of the street by bringing them into contact with successful adults. He also started “Ladies Night” to help women living on the streets. He is named a “Treasure of Los Angeles” for having the heart of the City by making downtown a better place for all of us.

After receiving a well deserved standing ovation Chief Beck stated, “Officer Joseph makes me immensely proud to be the Chief of Police. He is strong enough to protect but he is compassionate enough to have empathy to serve. Deon is a man of steal with a heart of gold.”

Officer Joseph made a short but powerful speech. “I am truly honored and blessed to receive this award.” He thanked the leadership of the Police Department, the City council, the Central City Association and the skid row community. He thanked his wife, his three sons and his twin brother, who is also a Los Angeles Police Officer for their love and support.

The Central City Association is a business membership organization representing businesses, trade associations and non-profit organizations. They are LA's premier business advocate that help shape public policy on broad ranges of issues. The banquet was held at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel located in Downtown Los Angeles.