By Karla Ahmanson and Reserve Officer Michael Sellars
It has been a busy year.
We wish to again congratulate all of our Reserve Officers and Specialists of the Year, who were honored at our 2015 Twice a Citizen banquet. Congratulations to Reserve Police Officer Bertram N. Szathmary, who has received over 42 commendations in his 32 years of service, and to the officers who received their service pins, from those with 25 years of service all the way up to Officers John Cresto and Dennis Zine (retired Sergeant and former City Council member), with 45 years of service.
Community leaders — Council Member Tom LaBonge, for his longstanding support of our city, and Ira Reiner, president and CEO of the Homeland Security Advisory Council — were recognized as being Twice a Citizen. These recognitions are essential to building our relationship with our community, to tell your story and raise the funds we need to support the Corps. In this way, our banquet serves two important purposes: recognizing our Reserve Corps and supporting the Corps.
The Andrea Friedman Award was presented to retiring Assistant Chief Sandy Jo MacArthur, who has always gone above and beyond for the Corps. This past year, she steadfastly worked with the new Reserve Advisory Committee to bring very meaningful changes.
Funding opportunities have concentrated on projects that especially matter to our reserve officers. This has included additional training that provides the tactical/perishable skills essential for officer safety. The Board provided funding for the first Simunition firearms classes. This was great training that would not have otherwise been provided due to budget constraints.
LAPRF was awarded “Gold Participant” status in 2014 by GuideStar. In addition, GreatNonprofits selected your Foundation as a “2014 Top-Rated Non-Profit.” This has been achieved by providing the information and reviews that philanthropic organizations and individuals need. A strong reputation has been an essential step in taking this Foundation to the next level.
We want to remind you that the LAPRF is now in the Ralphs Community Rewards program, as well as the Amazon Smile program. Please sign up and tell your friends. See Support the Corps When You Shop at Ralphs and Support Your LAPD Reserve Officers Every Day, Automatically with AmazonSmile for details.
Soon you will be receiving a survey that will assist us in our efforts to support the entire Reserve Corps. This survey is vital and will receive our full attention, as well as that of former President Mel Kennedy. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact Karla Ahmanson at kahmanson@laprf.org or Michael Sellars at msellars@laprf.org with any questions, concerns or ideas. We value your feedback. We thank Chief Charlie Beck for his continued leadership and support.
This will be an exciting year, and we look forward to working with Assistant Chief Michel Moore; Commander Patrick Smith, the new Department Reserve Coordinator; and Lieutenant Darnell Davenport, new OIC of the Reserve Section.
On behalf of the Board, thank you for your continued dedication to the Department and to our city. And to all of your families, a deeply sincere thanks for giving so much of you.
Be safe.