Legion Names Local Police Officer of Year

Senior Lead Officer Randy Hoffmaster of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Van Nuys Division has been named police officer of the year by the local branch of the American Legion.

With the honor, Hoffmaster automatically becomes a candidate for a statewide officer of the year award that will be announced at the Legion’s convention in May in Long Beach. The statewide recipient will be a candidate for a national award to be announced in June, Legion officials said.

“What [Hoffmaster] has done in this area has been marvelous,” said Dick McDonald, chaplain of American Legion Panorama City Post No. 817. “He’s always running something. From cleaning up graffiti to just getting out in the community and talking to people.”

Leslie Yamashita, president of the Panorama City Neighborhood Assn., said Hoffmaster was responsible for initiating quarterly neighborhood cleanups in Panorama City and has also helped to expand Neighborhood Watch programs in the area.

Hoffmaster “has not only organized and coordinated activities and events, he has jumped in with both feet and become personally involved in the entire goings-on of the community,” Yamashita said.

“He has shown us his willingness to break a sweat in order to ensure the success of the community policing program,” she said.

A 12-year veteran of the LAPD, Hoffmaster has worked out of the Van Nuys Division since 1995.

Los Angeles City Councilman Joel Wachs was among those who attended a banquet to honor Hoffmaster on Friday in Panorama City.

“Obviously, this makes me feel good,” Hoffmaster said. “The real reason that I am being recognized is because of the efforts of the community. Residents in that area are getting involved and that’s the essence of community policing.”