Welcome to the historic Avalon in Hollywood! This year we’ve shaken things up a bit, and we do hope you enjoy this special evening. This iconic nightclub first opened in 1927 and was originally known as the Hollywood Playhouse, and it is quite a treat to have our event here.
Thank you for joining us tonight to honor our sworn Los Angeles Police Department reserve officers and specialist volunteers. We want to recognize the Area/Division and Bureau Reserve Officers of the Year and will announce the Department Reserve Officer of the Year. This evening is also about thanking the hundreds of volunteers who help keep safe the city we all love.
It is our honor and privilege to pay tribute to our Twice a Citizen Community Leader, Kent McCord, and to recognize the legacy of Adam-12 and what Mr. McCord and Martin Milner (in memoriam) have done for law enforcement. It’s a great understatement to say that generations of LAPD officers, both full-time and reserve, and law enforcement officers around the world were inspired to become peace officers because of Jim Reed (Kent McCord), Pete Malloy (Martin Milner) and Jack Webb’s Adam-12.
We are thrilled to have venerable television and film veterans Patricia Heaton and Robert Hays as our mistress and master of ceremonies. The ever-vivacious Kelley Nelson will, once again, conduct our fabulous live auction. We encourage everyone to participate — and don’t forget to enjoy a complimentary Dan Aykroyd’s Crystal Head Skull Vodka welcome cocktail!
Thank you to Chief of Police and Honorary Chairperson Charlie Beck. As many of you know, Chief Beck began his law enforcement career 40 years ago as a reserve officer.
As we’ve always said, “A foundation is only as strong as the cause that it represents.” With this in mind, we are committed to having the LAPD Reserve Corps be as strong as possible, and now also to growing the Corps further. In particular, we wish to thank Lieutenant Darnell Davenport for his leadership as OIC of the Reserve Section. Like Chief Beck, he started his law enforcement career with the LAPD Reserve Corps, and he brings perspective and commitment that have been invaluable to our cause. This past year, Lieutenant Davenport and his team have spearheaded new recruitment efforts in part by reaching out to the community and telling the story of the Corps.
We are thrilled to report that the LAPRF has been named a Top-Rated Nonprofit by GreatNonprofits for the second year in a row! The LAPRF was also approved by eScrip.com to be a participating charity in its popular program, where consumers can automatically donate to the LAPRF while making everyday purchases. Please see page 64 for information on all the ways you can easily donate! Furthering our efforts to build a stronger nonprofit organization, we are happy to be working with Rob Hollman of Rosinante Group Advisors, LLC. We also thank Scherr Lillico and The Proper Image Events team for, once again, taking on the monumental task of organizing this banquet and tonight’s fundraising efforts!
One of our new initiatives this year is a scholarship program, giving active LAPD reserve officers and their children financial assistance toward their academic goals with the Los Angeles Police Reserve Foundation Emeritus Scholarship. This initiative adds to the recruitment, equipment, training and education funding programs. On behalf of our Board of Directors, we welcome everyone to the 2016 Twice a Citizen banquet, and we thank you for your service and for your support.
Karla Ahmanson and Michael Sellars, Co-Presidents
Los Angeles Police Reserve Foundation