Police Couple Fall Victim to Duty’s Hazards

Police work can be tough on a family. Just ask Patti and George Hoopes.

Officer Patti Hoopes, stationed in the Van Nuys Division, hurt her back Saturday while checking out a burglar alarm, just one month after her husband, Officer George Hoopes, was injured in the line of duty.

Patti Hoopes, a three-year department veteran, was injured when she climbed over a fence and fell, landing on her back, Deputy Chief Mark A. Kroeker said. Hoopes, 23, was treated and released from Holy Cross Medical Center, hospital spokesperson Holly Lyons said.

Kroeker said it was unclear when she would be able to return to work.

George Hoopes, 28, also a three-year department veteran based in the 77th Street Division, was injured in May and has been unable to work, Kroeker said.

Kroeker said he did not have the details on George Hoopes’ accident but said, “He’s in a full body cast.”

“We’ve got officers and their spouses, who are also officers, and it just shows what can happen to you out there,” he said. “Enforcing the law is a tough job.”