DECEMBER 2010 COP MESSAGE

Oftentimes the holiday season is a time of reflection, stimulating the good memories of what we endured throughout the year.  We reflect not only on the successes and milestones we’ve shared as a Department and in our own personal lives, but the challenges as well.  In this message, I recognize some of our accomplishments and milestones, but notably wish to honor those who are actively serving in our Armed Forces as well as the members of the LAPD family we lost this year. 

While we have faced some challenging times, there is still so much to be proud of.  Even during the tough times, faced with budget cuts, furloughs, and doing more with less, you continue to keep crime down.  We accomplished this together as one resilient workforce to accomplish the mission that we all signed up for when we joined the Department.  As public servants, there is nothing more gratifying than knowing you are making a difference.  In an era where exceptional customer service excellence has virtually disappeared from some professions, the work ethic that each and every one of you demonstrate should be held up as an example for others to try to emulate. 

The year 2010 marks the centennial celebration of women in policing in the LAPD.  We had the eyes of the nation on us during the Lakers victory celebration and through relentless and unprecedented investigative work, identified and arrested those who celebrated unlawfully in our City.  We also identified a serial killer, the “Grim Sleeper”, and put him behind bars, giving the many families of the victims a sense of closure and peace of mind.  We celebrated the one year anniversary of our new home at the Police Administration Building and we integrated 21^st century technology into our units by adding digital in-car video surveillance systems.  Our critical incident training methods remained cutting edge with the unveiling of the “HYDRA” Simulation System, the first of its kind in the United States. 

But let us not forget the families of those 39 Los Angeles Police Department employees that continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces.  Unfortunately, the sad reality is that we have come together far too many times to recognize the fallen men and women of this Department.   I am saddened that we lost two of our own as they proudly served their country under the most dangerous of circumstances. The memories of Officers “RJ” Cottle and Joshua Cullins will live forever in our hearts as we honor them for their extraordinary sacrifices.  We are justly proud of them and their families, for the lasting contributions they have made. 

For the officers currently serving in active duty, please keep them close to your heart, as we look forward to their speedy and safe return:

 David Anaya, Serial No. 40012, U.S. Army

Erick Barrera, Serial No. 33707, U.S. Marines

Christopher Bellah, Serial No. 39478, U.S. Marines

Thomas Bojorquez, Serial No. 30872, U.S. Army

Christine Bulicz, Serial No. 34690, U.S. Army

David Christensen, Serial No. 38558, U.S. Marines

Brendan Flynn, Serial No. 38496, U. S. Marines

Richard Gadsby, Serial No. 31981, U.S. National Guard

Craig Garcia, Serial No. 40032, U.S. National Guard

David Gonzalez, Serial No. 39760, U.S. Army

Benjamin Hetzler, Serial No. 35160, U.S. Navy

Loma Holland, Serial No. 30394, U.S. Navy

Manuel Huezo, Serial No. 33990, U.S. Coast Guard

Marjorie Israel, Serial No. 38486, U.S. Air Force

Eric Jimenez, Serial No. 39222, U.S. Army

Michael Johnson, Serial No. 31570, U.S. Army

John Kim, Serial No. 31739, U.S. Army

Jonathan Kirkpatrick, Serial No. 33335, U.S. Marines

August Lopez, Serial No. 38285, U.S. Army

Cao Luu, Serial No. 36822, U.S. Army

Kevin Marshall, Serial No. 38399, U.S. Army

Greg McManus, Serial No. 33931, U.S. Marines

Daniel Medina, Serial No. 39453, U.S. Army

Joseph Mueller, Serial No. 21213, U.S. Marines

Joe Olivares, Serial No. 39658, U.S. Marines

Ryan Powell, Serial No. 35570, U.S. Marines

Sonia Rodriguez, Serial No. 38964, U.S. Army

Michael Rodriguez, Serial No. 30566, U.S. Marines

Gina Roh, Serial No. 39516, U.S. National Guard

John Seffel, Serial No. 35330, U.S. National Guard

Sonia Sigler, Serial No. 32904, U.S. Navy

Ryan Stogner, Serial No. 38373, U.S. Marines

Rigoberto Torres, Serial No. 39788, U.S. Marines

Ruben Vargas, Serial No. 38825, U.S. Marines

Michael Watson, Serial No. 34309, U. S. Marines

Ryan White, Serial No. 34506, U. S. Marines

Robert White, Serial No. 32998, U. S. Army

Roy Yoo, Serial No. 39248, U.S. Army

This year we endured the heartache of having to say goodbye to other members of our LAPD family who passed away.

 Police Officer II Ray Robinson, Serial No.27156                      End of Watch – 01/21/10

Detective (Retired) John Rodriguez, Serial No. 21343   End of Watch – 01/27/10

Police Officer II Jaqueline Montalvo, Serial No. 35357             End of Watch – 02/25/10

Property Officer Ryan Farhand, Serial No. N4027                    End of Watch – 03/11/10

Police Officer III+1 Robert “RJ” Cottle, Serial No. 27922        End of Watch – 03/24/10

Reserve Police Officer Patrick Beighley, Serial No. R6131        End of Watch – 04/15/10

Chief of Police (Retired) Daryl F. Gates, Serial No. 6432          End of Watch – 04/16/10

Sergeant II Frank Mika, Serial No. 14234                                End of Watch – 05/29/10

Secretary Patricia Clemons, Serial No. M9076                         End of Watch – 06/03/10

Specialist Reserve Bernard Cron, Serial No. R0975                  End of Watch – 07/20/10

Detective I Walter Boyle, Serial No. 35990                              End of Watch – 07/23/10

Garage Attendant Derrick Winters, Serial No. E8070   End of Watch – 08/19/10

Specialist Reserve Ken Gerston, Serial No. R3024                   End of Watch – 09/01/10

Senior Clerk Typist Adrianna Rodriguez, Serial No. E9806       End of Watch – 09/01/10

Police Officer II Dennis Duran, Serial No. 24647                      End of Watch – 10/18/10

Police Officer II Joshua Cullins, Serial No. 39542                     End of Watch – 10/19/10

Reserve Specialist Officer Paul Shin, Serial No. R5003 End of Watch – 10/29/10

 Together We Can…

 Please take the time to reflect on your own lives and renew your own commitments to each other and the causes you believe in. You may not have to look far, as you look for opportunities to give thanks and help those who need it most.  Each one of us has the ability to make the holidays brighter for our co-workers as well as the families in the communities we serve.    

 As we say goodbye to 2010, I want to thank each and every one of you for the ongoing and exceptional service you provide each day.  This Department is special because of each and every one its employees.  I am extremely humbled after having served as your Chief for the past year and I commit to you that I will continue to keep you involved by creating opportunities for you to voice your suggestions and concerns through meetings, personal emails and while working patrol.  This is YOUR Department and will only be as successful as you are. 

This year we welcomed Mrs. Cecilia Glassman, as the new President of the Los Angeles Police Foundation, who traditionally hosts the annual LAPD holiday party.  Please join us as we celebrate this holiday season on Saturday, December 18th at the Los Angeles Downtown Marriott Hotel.  On behalf of the men and women of this Department, we express sincere gratitude and appreciation for the remarkable work of the Foundation.  Another special event I proudly recognize our employees is the annual Holiday Assembly on December 16^th at 1030 a.m., in the Deaton Hall Auditorium.  This year’s Assembly will have a new theme and a few other surprises, so please check the infoweb for more details.  I look forward to seeing you there.

 From my family to yours, I wish you a safe, healthy and joyous holiday season.

Comments

[Kevin Marshall #38399]

Chief Beck and the rest of my fellow Brothers-in-Arms at LAPD:

It is with honor, duty, and commitment that I continue to serve our country on this extended overseas tour in the Balkans. As is customary with honor, duty, and commitment, the LAPD is right there will all of us and I want to thank my department for continuing to support my decision to serve.

Chief Beck: I want to personally thank you for serving our community and LAPD for 30+ years. You are a role model for every law enforcement professional in the country. Thank you for your service. And to all my fellow classmates from 12-06, I will be home soon ready to serve.

Pro Deo Et Patria,

1LT Kevin Marshall
AST Balkans Safety Office
Camp Bondsteel
APO AE 09340