MVCPC Members - Helping the Community & Having Fun!

26th ANNUAL CITIZEN'S RECOGNITION LUNCHEON

On October 6, 2006 Mid Valley Community Police Council held its 26th Annual Citizen's Recognition Luncheon, at the Airtel Plaza Hotel and Convention Center.

This year's Master of Ceremonies was Chris Schauble, Co-Anchor, NBC4 Morning News/ "Today in L.A." and our Keynote Speaker was Jim McDonald, 1st Assistant Chief, Chief of Staff, Los Angeles Police Department.

Over 200 people attended the event to honor seven citizen heroes. These seven men and women went beyond the normal call of duty to assist the police in crime prevention or the saving of a life.

Jorge Luna and Pamela Luna observed a vehicle strike a young girl walking in the crosswalk and then flee the scene. They pursued a Hit & Run driver through the streets of Van Nuys until they were able to obtain the license plate number of the car. They returned to the accident scene and reported it to the police. The information was relayed to all units and after a short pursuit the suspect was apprehended.

David Robert Kapner observed a wall of mud crash into a house. Without regard for his own safety he waded through waist high mud to answer the cries for help coming from within the house. Once inside he saw a father desperately trying to hold his young daughter's head above the mud. David took the child from the father and made his way out of the house and to safety.

Paul Labella, San Fernando Reserve Police Officer enter the Pacoima Wash in an attempt to rescue two brothers that were being swept away by the raging water. Paul took a hold of the boys, but he himself was swept away. Paul struggled to hold the boys heads above water as they were being carried away by the water. Paul was able to finally get in a catch basin and get the boys and him self to safety.

Terri Weinandt, Clifford James Alexander and Rudy Campa, Jr. help save the life of Los Angeles Police Officer Arturo Ornelas. Officer Ornelas had just finished issuing Rudy Campa, Jr. a traffic citation when he observed another speeding motorist. Officer Ornelas boarded his police motorcycle and went after the violator. A vehicle suddenly pulled out in front of Office Ornelas causing the officer to broadside the vehicle. Rudy saw what had happened and rushed to the officer's aid. Terri Weinandt and Clifford James Alexander heard the collision and rushed to help. Officer Ornelas had life threatening injuries and if it was not for the quick action of Rudy, Terri and Clifford, Officer Ornelas may have not survived.

Mid-Valley Community Police Council congratulates all the honorees for their acts of bravery and heroism.