LAPD Volunteers, Officers Honored

Longtime volunteers and LAPD veterans were among those singled out Thursday as some of the North Hollywood area’s finest.

“We’re here to honor select department employees and civilians who have distinguished themselves,” said Capt. Bruce Crosley, at the 31st annual East Valley Police Community Partnership Luncheon at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City.

Mayor Richard Riordan praised the men and women receiving the awards as “shining examples of Los Angeles at its best.”

Chosen as “Volunteer of the Year” was Viola Jacques, a retired property manager who has been lending a helping hand at the station since 1981, when she assisted in setting up its Neighborhood Watch program.

Capt. Mark Perez, who announced the awards, described Jacques as a warm and caring woman who works tirelessly.

The “Citizen of the Year” was Gerry O’Rourke, who has been active on the East Valley Police Activity League Supporters for 20 years and famous around the station for her homemade cakes and cookies.

Larry Taylor, a senior lead officer and a 22-year veteran, was “Officer of the Year.” Perez praised Taylor’s ability to perform duties in a highly stressful environment.

Gordon Hagge, a 24-year veteran currently in the auto theft unit, was “Detective of the Year.” Hagge is “one of the finest investigators in the entire Valley,” Perez said.

Other honorees included Pam Wells, “Civilian Employee of the Year,” William Dumong, “Reserve Officer of the Year, and Juan Mejia, “Explorer of the Year.”

Presenting certificates and plaques were Riordan, LAPD Chief Bernard C. Parks and Los Angeles City Councilmen Alex Padilla, Mike Feuer and Joel Wachs.

“It’s nice to be honored, but all these accolades should go to all these people who are here,” said Hagge afterward, surveying the more than 300 community leaders and residents in the audience. “We just go out there and do our jobs.”