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Celebrating the History and Heroes of the San Diego Police Department
With police helicopters buzzing overhead and police cars stationed out front, you knew that something important was coming down at a private home in La Jolla.
The visitors were greeted by police officers in dress uniforms. Vintage police cars as well as the most modern police equipment were displayed nearby.
“What was coming down” was the “Cop Hop,” a fundraiser for the San Diego Police Foundation and the San Diego Police Historical Association. The event was held on June 25 in La Jolla Farms at the “Atoll Home,” the spectacular home of Ramin Porteymour, a commissioner of the San Diego Police Historical Association.
The evening’s theme was a 1940’s party featuring the swing band, Big Time Operator. The poolside reception featured hors d’oeuvres provided by Fleming’s and Luna Grill. Featured speakers included Jerry Sanders, Mayor of the City of San Diego, and William Lansdowne, Chief of Police, SDPD.
Clearly, Chief Lansdowne was the “star cop” of the evening, explaining the challenges of the SDPD to a very supportive audience. He related that every holiday is trying, particularly for officers with small children. Typically, the younger officers miss being with their family every Christmas Eve, but they know that it is the role of an officer to be on call whenever and wherever the public needs them.
Below: (from left) William Lansdowne, Chief of Police, SDPD; Ramin Porteymour, Commissioner of the SD Police Historical Association; Brandi McClain; Jerry Sanders, Mayor of the City of San Diego; Richard J. Carlson, President of SD Historical Police Association; Sheriff Bill Gore
The Chief said that he has made it a tradition every Christmas Eve to get into the patrol car and relieve a younger officer of the Christmas Eve shift. The story shows the human side of the SDPD—the commitment of every officer to serve the public and the humility and consideration of our Chief.
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1947 Ford Prowl Car
The event was organized to provide funds for two non-profits. Numerous sponsors and hosts lent their time and support to make the evening happen. In addition, San Diegans responded with generosity by the hundreds. Dream Villager was invited by Maxine Gellens, a member of the Host Committee and a realtor for Prudential California.
In this era of budget-cutting, the San Diego Police Foundation raises funds to attempt to bridge the budget gap in order to insure the SDPD has the tools they need to respond when the public needs them. One important goal is the SafetyNet: Smart Cyber Choices program. In this age of cyber bullying, sexting, and internet predators, the SafetyNet program advises schools, employers, and faith communities on the safe use of technology.
The San Diego Police Historical Association was founded in 1997 and is dedicated to the preservation of the history of the 122 year old SDPD. Its museum houses several thousand artifacts and more than 22,000 photographs. The highlight is the fleet of 18 historical and restored police vehicles, the largest collection in the United States.
The “Cop Hop” was an outstanding success—an event that was fun and entertaining but one that raised funds to support the history and Heroes of the SDPD. What a great way to spend a summer evening in La Jolla.
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