A Big Thanks to LAPD’s Other Heroes

* We are writing to praise the unsung heroes of the Los Angeles Police Department, the ones behind the officers: the wives, husbands, boyfriends, girlfriends, mothers and fathers.

During the earthquake Jan. 17, I was at home. I am a family man, as a lot of our officers are, and was extremely scared for my family and relatives.

During the next two hours, I made sure my family was OK. Many of us drove to our relatives to ensure their safety. I made paths in my home so my wife and kids could walk from room to room. I broke out the flashlights and barbecue (for cooking), turned off the gas and got my family in order as best I could.

About 6:45 a.m., my wife looked at me and said, “You have to go to work, don’t you?” I felt hopeless when I answered, “Yeah, I’m sorry, but I have to go.” As I dressed, I felt helpless about leaving my family. I worked that day for 12 hours.

I could see the strain building up in my “hero” after a few days. She would say, “You are going to work and are not the one who has to stay with the kids without electricity or gas to cook.” I was proud to call her my wife and was grateful that she was strong enough to see this through--as our many heroes were.

We would like to thank the officers of the Los Angeles Police Department who responded to the call of duty and performed in an outstanding and professional manner, regardless of the fact that they have not had a pay raise or a cost-of-living increase in the past two years. To all of them, thank you for a job well done.

ANGEL LOPEZ

Van Nuys

This letter was also signed by Phil Morritt, Dan O’Hanian, Dan Dejarnette, Roberta Moore and William Jessup.