Police Honored on ‘Blue Ribbon Day’

Communities, service organizations and schools throughout the Valley showed their appreciation for the Los Angeles Police Department on Friday by tying blue ribbons at various stations and bringing food for officers who serve their area.

The annual “Blue Ribbon Day” was started four years ago by Northridge resident Colleen Hardman, a member of the Community Police Advisory Board who wanted to lift morale after the 1991 Rodney King beating.

Officers throughout the Valley said they were grateful for the gesture and look forward to the annual event.

“It’s great to get a pat on the back,” said Sgt. Lisa Phillips of the LAPD Van Nuys station. “These events are too few and far between. With all the bad things highlighted, officers’ morale gets hurt and this really helps.”

Three of the five LAPD stations in the San Fernando Valley--Devonshire, Van Nuys and West Valley--received free meals and blue ribbons Friday from area groups. The other two divisions--Foothill and North Hollywood--celebrated their appreciation day earlier in the week.

Most of the stations got breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as ribbons and drawings from area schoolchildren.

“It’s good to get a slap on the back rather then be growled at,” said Sgt. Michael Klein of the Devonshire Division. “It’s also nice to see smiles on the officers’ faces.”