Bernson Honors Valley’s Heroes

A dozen city police officers and firefighters were honored during an awards luncheon Monday for outstanding service to the community.

The honorees, all of whom work in the Valley, were recognized during an event sponsored by City Councilman Hal Bernson at the Airtel Plaza Hotel. It was the 20th consecutive year that Bernson awarded honorees for longtime service, community involvement and creating innovative programs.

“These are the police officers, firefighters and paramedics who are laying their lives on the line for us every day,” Bernson said. “I thought it was a good idea to take a day out once a year and say thank you.”

Los Angeles Police Lt. Paul F. Wright was recognized for helping to establish community policing in the Devonshire Division. Wright also hasn’t taken a sick day in 31 years.

“I just felt work was important,” said Wright, 52. “Sometimes you don’t feel 100%, you go to work and you work through it.”

LAPD Det. Diane Webb was honored for organizing and leading a team of five investigators that keeps tabs on the Valley’s convicted sex offenders. She said she created the Registration Enforcement and Compliance Team at the Foothill Division in 1997 after noticing that many sexual assaults were committed by offenders registered with the state.

According to Webb, there are about 1,900 convicted sex offenders in the Valley.

“We monitor their activities and track them and make sure they’re registered,” said Webb, 39. “We really can’t wait until the crime happens.”

She said it was good to know others were aware of her efforts.

“It’s nice to work really hard for something and be recognized for it,” she said.

The other LAPD honorees were: Det. Robert Bogison, Collision Investigation Officer Katie Burns, Senior Lead Officer Rick Gibby and Det. Bill Seeley. Los Angeles Fire Department honorees were: Paul W. Clark and James W. Harkins, both firefighter/paramedics; Battalion Chief Michael E. Littleton; Firefighter Glen A. Prine; Capt. Mark J. Saxelby and Capt. John C. Walters.