They proudly wore our uniform and gave the ultimate sacrifice in their service. Their loss will forever be engrained in our hearts and souls. Their spirit lives on through the work we do every day.
As you continue to do the good work you do every day be mindful of the fact that as police officers you are targets to those who view us as the enemy. When you are out in the field, things can happen quickly so be cognizant of your surroundings and watch each other's back.
During the month of May, I encourage you to follow the tradition of wearing the black mourning band on your badge in remembrance of our fallen heroes.
Top Cop Award
This month a few of our officers will be honored in a ceremony during National Police Week in Washington D.C. The National Association of Police Organizations has selected the following officers to be given the prestigious Top Cop Award for 2013:
Police Officer III Clinton Perez, Serial No. 34732, Rampart Area
Police Officer II Ryan Nguyen, Serial No. 34595, Rampart Area
Police Officer II Joseph Arevalo, Serial No. 35784, Rampart Area
Police Officer II Mark Austin, Serial No. 40135, Rampart Area
Police Officer II Brad Gorby, Serial No. 36118, Rampart Area
Police Officer II Juan Garcia, Serial No. 35969, Rampart Area
Police Officer II David Blake, Serial No. 40139, Rampart Area
Police Officer III Joseph Broussard, Serial No. 35924, Olympic Area
Police Officer III Sean Schneider, Serial No. 36133, Olympic Area
Police Officer III Hans Almaraz, Serial No. 27559, Metropolitan Division, K9
Sergeant I Joseph Sanchez, Serial No. 25339, Rampart Area
Sergeant I Joel Miller, Serial No. 35068, Rampart Area
These officers were chosen to receive the award due to their willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty and place themselves in harm's way during an incident involving a homicide suspect armed with an AK-47 assault rifle. They exercised extraordinary composure and discipline during an hour long vehicle pursuit which ended with the suspect opening fire on the officers. Their decisive actions and heroism saved two innocent civilian lives and eliminated an imminent threat.
I congratulate the recipients for a job well done and I am so proud of each and every one of them. I look forward to hearing of their experience in our nation's capital as they are honored amongst their peers.
History of North Hollywood Division
As a result of the postwar boom in population in the San Fernando Valley, the Los Angeles Police Department established North Hollywood Division, which opened in 1958. The original station was located at 11480 Tiara Street for almost 40 years and was the second oldest station in the Department when it was officially closed on May 11, 1997. Operations at the new North Hollywood Station, which is located at 11680 Burbank Boulevard, officially started that same day. This replacement station, which measures 37,340-square-feet, is double the size of the Tiara Street Station. Currently, there are more than 250 employees assigned to the North Hollywood Division. The division covers 22.76 square miles with a population of more than 200,000 residents. This includes the neighborhoods of North Hollywood, Studio City, Toluca Lake, Sun Valley, Valley Glen, Valley Village, and West Toluca Lake.
Significant Events
On February 8, 1986, Detective Arleigh McCree and Officer Ronald Ball, assigned to the LAPD Bomb Squad, were killed at a home in North Hollywood when a pipe bomb they were attempting to defuse exploded.
On February 28, 1997, two heavily armed individuals attempted to rob the Bank of America on Laurel Canyon resulting in the incident now known as the “North Hollywood Shootout.”
On May 4, 2001, the wife of actor Robert Blake was killed outside a popular restaurant in Studio City. Blake, who was best known for his television role of “Baretta” was subsequently tried and acquitted of the crime. Later he was held liable for her death during a civil trial.
Fallen Heroes of North Hollywood
On May 31, 1981, Officer Steven Albers was killed in an on-duty traffic collision.
On October 31, 1985, Detective Thomas Williams was ambushed while picking his son up from school. The suspects wanted to prevent the detective from testifying at an upcoming trial. The shooter was sentenced to death, and two conspirators were sentenced to life without parole plus 25 years to life.
On February 11, 1991, Officer Tina Kerbrat was shot and killed during a pedestrian stop. Kerbrat was the first female LAPD officer killed in the line of duty. The suspect was shot and killed by Kerbrat's partner.
On June 7, 1988, Officer James Beyea was shot and killed while in foot pursuit of a robbery suspect. The suspect was eventually shot and killed during a search.
Ask The Chief
What is the status of rifle racks being installed in patrol vehicles?
Rifle racks were tested in Rampart Area and have proven to be an effective officer safety tool. With the generous support of our Police Foundation a grant has been approved so that I will be able to install 15 racks in black and white police vehicles in each Area. The racks can hold two weapons; two rifles; two shotguns or a combination of the two.
Many of us have purchased 1911s and are still waiting to attend a transition school. Will there be more schools in the future?
Unfortunately the number of schools being offered by Training Division has been adversely affected by deployment issues. I do not have as many instructors as in the past since the reassignment of many officers from specialized divisions who returned back to patrol assignments. I do hear you and understand your desire to enhance your skill set. I have received several emails from you about 1911 schools so I have given Training Division two additional officers so they can offer a few more 1911 courses in the near future. This should also help with the qualification lines this Fall. Please remember to qualify early! Check with Training Division for dates of more 1911 schools to come on the horizon.
The Media reported that the LAPD is finally going to be able to offer online reporting for low level crimes. Any truth to this?
The Department is finalizing a Request For Proposal (RFP) for two online reporting services. The RFP process allows for a bidding process from potential companies to submit their proposals on what they will be able to offer. We will likely begin with Traffic Reports and add other miscellaneous reports in the future such as lost property. The City's RFP and subsequent contracting process takes several months, after which the Department will begin implementation. Both projects are contingent upon available funding.
Once again, thank you for all of your hard work and your emails. Please take care of each other.
Be safe,
Charlie
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