WILSHIRE : Luncheon to Honor Acts of Heroism

Thirteen law enforcement officers, firefighters and citizens who have shown uncommon commitment to the community will be honored Wednesday at a Wilshire Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

The chamber’s annual Hue and Cry Awards recognize acts ranging from exceptional bravery to outstanding community service, said chamber Vice President Peggy Gibson.

One of this year’s civilian recipients is Wilshire-area resident Theressa Ann Sams, who happened to look out her window one Sunday afternoon to see a carload of unfamiliar teens driving through the neighborhood.

Suspicious, she took down their license plate number. A short time later, she saw the same teens rob and murder an elderly neighbor who was walking down the street. She called 911, reported the crime and the suspects’ license plate, and two of the youths were apprehended shortly afterward.

Other recipients include a police officer who attended and purchased groceries for an old woman who became an invalid after breaking her hip; a firefighter who is active in trying to rid aging, overcrowded apartment buildings in the MacArthur Park area of fire hazards, and several other heroes.

The awards luncheon will be held at noon at the Radisson Wilshire Plaza Hotel, 3515 Wilshire Boulevard. The fee is $20 for chamber members, $25 for non-members. Company tables also are available.

Information: (213) 386-8224.