On the morning of September 20, 60 uniformed officers and the LAPD Band patiently waited on the rooftop of the Sheraton Universal Hotel parking structure to greet 30 children and their medical support team. They had traveled to Southern California from nine states and Canada. The children were guided to the red carpet by cheering officers, where they were welcomed by Assistant Chief Beatrice Girmala and Commander Gerald Woodyard.
Assistant Chief Girmala swore in each Sunshine Kid as an LAPD officer for the day, and each child received an LAPD ID card and junior police badge. In addition, they were presented with gift bags by representatives from Communications Division.
As the rooftop ceremony was concluding, an LAPD airship flying overhead announced through a loudspeaker that the LAPD welcomed them to Los Angeles. Each Sunshine Kid was then escorted by an LAPD reserve officer to their black-and-white vehicle. At 1030 hours, a radio call was made announcing the start of a Code 3 run headed for Raleigh Studios in Hollywood. The slow Code 3 motorcade was escorted the entire length of the route by West Traffic Motor Officers, with lights and sirens flashing. Along the route, hundreds of spectators cheered the motorcade. At Raleigh Studios, a group picture with the officers and Sunshine Kids was taken, followed by lunch.
Thank you, Assistant Chief Girmala, Commander Woodyard, Officer Joe Orlanes and his partner Javier Barragan and the CRS team. In addition, a special thank-you to all the reserve officers who gave up a day off to support this event. You all gave 30 kids a day they won’t forget.