Mayor Karen Bass with LAPRF Co-President Karla Ahmanson. Many City dignitaries attended the Gala alongside Bass, including Chief of Police Jim McDonnell, City Councilmembers John Lee, Katy Yaroslavsky and Adrin Nazarian, City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto, District Attorney Nathan Hochman and President of the Board of Police Commissioners Dr. Erroll Southers.
Michael Connelly, author of the Harry Bosch series
“It wasn’t heavy rain, but in Los Angeles any rain at all can paralyze the city. It was one of the mysteries Bosch could never fathom. A city largely defined by the automobile yet full of drivers unable to cope with even a mild inclemency.” — Michael Connelly, Angels Flight (a Harry Bosch novel)
It wasn’t so much rain as a cool drizzle that fell on the Skirball Cultural Center during the annual Reserve Officer of the Year/Twice a Citizen Gala on May 3. But for the record, the inclement weather waited until the cocktail hour and the conclusion of the outside red carpet, when attendees were already nestled inside.
The Gala has been held at the Skirball every year since 2017, except in 2020 during the COVID pandemic. This was the ninth year.
The LAPD Honor Guard posted the colors, Officer Erwin Rocha sang the national anthem and Chaplain Benjamin Warren delivered the invocation.
The Department Reserve Officer of the Year was Bernard Khalili (Specialized Divisions). This marked his third Department honor, recognizing his organization of the historic trip of 30 officers to Paris as part of an international 40-agency delegation to protect and serve at the 2024 Olympics.1 As per his biography, “He navigated complex layers of interagency coordination and international bureaucracy in pursuit of an unprecedented agreement between the Los Angeles Police Department and the French government.”
Specialized Divisions Reserve Officers of the Year
Valley Bureau Reserve Officers of the Year
Chief McDonnell and Reserve Officer Doug Pell, recipient of a 50-year service pin
The other bureau honorees were Central Bureau’s Officer Ghanshyam Patel (Central Area), South Bureau’s Officer Eduardo Cuevas (77th Area), Valley Bureau’s Officer Stephen Whitelaw (West Valley Area) and West Bureau’s Officer Edwin Bardales (Pacific Area). Biographies of the bureau honorees can be found here and a list of all the reserve officers of the year can be found here.
The Twice a Citizen community leaders honored at the Gala were Dominic Ng, chairman and CEO of East West Bank, and the executive production team of Ballard, the new Amazon series based on the books by Michael Connelly. The show is inspired by the LAPD Cold Case Unit run by veteran reserve officers and supervised by retired Detective III Mitzi Roberts of Robbery-Homicide Division. The biographies of the two honorees can be found here.
A “seventh-inning stretch” shook the hall with Motown vibes as the DC Collective performed “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” arranged by Rachael Worby and MUSE/IQUE. The tribute honored Ng for his spirit of generosity and service.
Central Bureau Reserve Officers of the Year
South Bureau Reserve Officers of the Year
A list of officers awarded service pins can be found here. They include Doug Pell, recognized for 50-plus years of service; Paul Favero, the long-time treasurer of the Reserve Foundation, for 45-plus years; and retired Assistant Chief Sandy Jo MacArthur and Nicholas MacArthur, both of whom have been instrumental in managing and training the Corps and continue to serve in the LAPD Reserve, also for 45-plus years.
LAPD Chief of Police Jim McDonnell, who was honored as a Twice a Citizen community leader at last year’s Gala, was the honorary chair. The event was led by Los Angeles Police Reserve Foundation Presidents Karla Ahmanson and Michael Sellars, both of whom have served in this capacity since December 2013. The Gala was once again hosted by Mark Thompson (host of KFI Radio and The New Mark Thompson Show Podcast), Wendy Burch (KTLA News journalist) and Chief McDonnell.
Many dignitaries and VIPs attended this year, helping to recognize the importance and strength of the LAPD’s reserve program, which historically has been considered the “gold standard” of reserve law enforcement in the U.S. As one attendee commented, “The LAPD Reserve Gala is the hottest ticket in town these days, at least in terms of improving public safety and honoring a large part of the LAPD legacy and those who protect and serve.”
Hosts Wendy Burch and Mark Thompson
West Bureau Reserve Officers of the Year
In addition to Chief McDonnell, attendees included: L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, City Councilmembers John Lee, Katy Yaroslavsky and Adrin Nazarian, City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto, District Attorney Nathan Hochman, Board of Police Commissioners President Dr. Erroll Southers, Assistant Chiefs Dominic Choi, Blake Chow and Dan Randolph, former Assistant Chief Sandy Jo MacArthur, Commanders Randall Goddard, Beverly Lewis, Hamed Mohammadi and Shannon Paulson, Consul General of France Adrien Frier, French State Governor Pierre-Edouard Colliex, former City Councilmember, retired LAPD officer and current reserve officer Dennis Zine, former Reserve Foundation President Mel Kennedy, L.A. Police Foundation Executive Director Dana Katz and L.A. Police Museum Chairman Bob Alaniz.
In his remarks, Chief McDonnell said, “As I look around the room tonight, I see many familiar faces, colleagues, friends and partners who’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with us over the years. I also see some new faces, remarkable individuals who have joined this proud tradition and are already making a difference. It’s a reminder that while our Reserve Corps is rooted in legacy, it continues to grow stronger with each new member who steps forward to serve. We’re gathered here this evening to honor that spirit of service.
“Tonight, we are here to celebrate each of you, our reserve officers. The Reserve Corps is made up of unsung heroes. You give your time, your energy and your heart to this Department, often while balancing full-time careers, families and other responsibilities.
“Your level of commitment speaks to your selflessness. It’s a different kind of service. It’s not about the spotlight; it’s about purpose. And you represent the very best of the mission and values of the LAPD … the dedicated reserve officers who have stood by our side through the best of times and the hardest of moments. You are part of this team, equal in mission, equal in sacrifice.
Presidents Michael Sellars and Karla Ahmanson and Chief McDonnell with the executive production team of Ballard, Twice a Citizen community honorees
Mayor Karen Bass addressing attendees
“Today, our Reserve Corps includes 360 officers across Levels I, II and III. Over the past year alone, you have contributed more than 50,000 hours of service voluntarily. That’s an extraordinary number, and more importantly, it’s a reflection of your character and perseverance. Some of that service has taken place far beyond our city limits.
“I’d like to recognize the reserve officers who represented the Department on a global stage, those who traveled to Paris to support public safety efforts during the Olympic Games. Serving as part of the international security team, you worked alongside agencies from around the world to help ensure a safe and successful event for all.
“Your presence reflected not only your professionalism, but the high standards of the LAPD Reserve Corps.
“I’d also like to recognize the reserve officers who stepped up during the recent Palisades wildfires. Many of you worked long hours in difficult, dangerous conditions, shoulder to shoulder with first responders, helping to protect lives, property and our city.
“Your service, both here at home and abroad, is very much appreciated. Each year, the Twice a Citizen awards also salute outstanding community leaders who support law enforcement and the people of Los Angeles, leaders who share in the commitment to service that defines our Reserve Corps and the LAPD. Tonight’s honorees, both a visionary business leader and a creative team shining a spotlight on our cold case reserve officers, reflect that same spirit of purpose and dedication. I am honored to have Dominic Ng, chairman and CEO of East West Bank, as well as the executive production team behind the upcoming Amazon Studios series Ballard here with us tonight.
Chief McDonnell and Department Reserve Officer of the Year Bernard Khalili
Twice a Citizen community honoree Dominic Ng
“At the LAPD, we talk a lot about commitment, service and unity — values that each of tonight’s honorees exemplify, just as you, our Reserve Corps, do every day. I want to leave you with this: We are one team. You matter. And this Department is stronger because of you. Your service does not go unnoticed. Your sacrifices are deeply appreciated, and your dedication makes Los Angeles a safer, better place for all. Thank you for everything you do! Let’s raise a toast to our Reserve Corps.”
The Los Angeles Police Reserve Foundation would like to thank all of the donors and supporters, including our event host East West Bank; the Ahmanson Foundation; Patty and Ken McKenna; Alice and Steve Yslas; Nathalie and Bernard Khalili; Jerry Kohl; Michael Connelly; Mark A. Brooks; Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern, LLP; Kiki Ramos; Gindler and David Gindler; Amy Aquino and Drew McCoy; 911MEDIA; the Los Angeles Police Command Officers Association; Patricia Glaser and Sam Mudie; Dr. Ira W. Krinsky and the L.A. PAMS Foundation; Kennedy Wilson; Industry Security Services; the Riordan Foundation; the Los Angeles Police Protective League; the KLM Foundation; Comcast NBCUniversal; L.A. Police Federal Credit Union; the Present Family Foundation; ESI Enterprises; Taylor Van and Evan Meyer; the Michael and Lori Milken Family Foundation; the Nathanson Family Foundation; JRI, Inc.; Uri Herscher; the MLK Community Health Foundation; Ashley and David Frandzel; Dr. Edward Ines, DDS; Straussner Sherman Lonné Treger Helquist Krupnick; the Adams Cowan Foundation; Paul and Anissa Balson; Merle Mullin; L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger; Gearys Beverly Hills; Vin Di Bona Productions; Greg and Donna Econn; Mattel; Gloria Grube; Hachette Book Group; L.A. City Councilmember John Lee; Captain Greg Meyer (ret.); George R. Phillips Jr.; Payden & Rygel; David Sydorick; Michele and Patrick Thibiant; Morgan Stanley Wealth Management; and so many others who purchased tickets and made donations.
The DC Collective performing “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”
The top auction donors: Princess Cruises, Chief of Police Jim McDonnell, Steve Robinson, KTLA, Michael Connelly, the Four Seasons Hotel, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Petersen Automotive Museum, LAWineFest, Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa, Pendry West Hollywood, Chaminade Resort and Spa (Santa Cruz), the Los Angeles Zoo and many more! We thank our great auctioneer, Steve Sandoval, and all of you for your support!
The evening was coordinated by Scherr Lillico and her team at The Proper Image Events. Development by Joan Ford.
The 2026 Gala is scheduled for May 2 at the Skirball Cultural Center.
1See “LAPD Reserve Officers Help Forge Global Partnerships at Paris 2024 Olympics”, published in the Winter 2024 issue of The Rotator newsletter.