SIDE:Still on the side of law and order

The Glendale Police Department and the city of Glendale are institutions that are now over 100 years of age. The Police Department in this time has lost four officers who gave their lives while on duty — in 1915 Town Marshall Charles Smith, in 1926 Officer Leslie Clem, in 1972 officer John Isaacson and in 1997 Investigator Charles Lazzaretto.

Their likenesses are portrayed in bronze on the memorial and they will be an ever remindful presence of the dangers and risks these special people face in keeping us one of the safest cities in the country.

The preceding week at the Hilton Hotel the Glendale Police Foundation, in concert with the Kiwanis Club of Glendale and the Glendale Bar Assn., presented the 12th annual police appreciation and awards luncheon. The purpose of the luncheon is to publicly bring notice to the outstanding achievements among the Glendale Police officers.

In addition, community service awards were given to six private citizens who, at their own risk, put themselves in jeopardy by assisting the police in apprehending criminals in unique circumstances.

It is an annual event, one that many of us anticipate, and it is a fitting recognition of excellence in the police department.

The Glendale Police Foundation, formerly Glendale Citizens for Law and Order, goes far beyond co-hosting the annual awards luncheon. The principal reason for the Glendale Police Foundation is to underwrite extra equipment and services, i.e. the canine unit, through fundraising from interested citizens of Glendale. The organization has been a vital participant in the support of the Glendale Police Department. Its stated mission is to encourage every citizen to become active, involved and responsible in supporting law enforcement to fight crime. These were the goals in 1968 and are the goals of today.

The foundation is governed by a board of directors composed of citizens of Glendale who are willing to subscribe to the goals and donate their time and resources to the support of the Glendale Police Department. This is the organization every citizen in Glendale should actively support, either through membership or contribution, or both. Effective law enforcement is directly attributed to citizen involvement. If interested, e-mail jgarcindslextreme.com.

Policing is not an easy task, but I think we should take pride in, and be thankful for, the integrity and dedication exhibited by our police department.

It is through the efforts of these officers that we enjoy the comfort of working and living in one of California's safest communities.