Seriously Ill Children Become Cops for a Day

April 24, 2001

"Seriously-Ill Children Become Cops for a Day"
 
Los Angeles – On Wednesday, April 25, at 8:00 a.m., Los Angeles Police Chief Bernard C. Parks will make honorary police officers of two seriously ill children, as part of the Department’s Cop-For-a-Day Program. The ceremony will take place during the Second Annual Law Enforcement and Private Security (LEAPS) Conference, to be held at The Westin Bonaventure, 404 South Figueroa Street in Los Angeles.
Sunny Herrera is 13 ½ years of age. She is from the Los Angeles area, and suffers from Lupus Erythematosus. Unfortunately, Sunny’s condition is terminal.
Devon Scullion is 4 ½ years old. He lives in Stoney Creek, Canada. He has Progeria, an aging disease. Devon is being flown to the United States, compliments of the Maury Povich T.V. Show.
Both kids have expressed desires, to their parents, to become Police Officers. After the swearing in ceremony, they will be assigned to Rampart Day watch patrol and be partnered with real police officers assigned to Rampart Community Police Station. Their itinerary will include:

8:20 a.m.-8:50 a.m. Donuts

9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Air Patrol with Air Support Division

12:00 p.m.- 1:00 p.m. Lunch at the Westchester Rotary Club

Members of the media are invited to attend this event in its entirety. There will be ample photo and interview opportunities at all locations.
The Precious Time Foundation is the brainchild of LAPD Reserve Officer Steve Bertolino. Reserve Officer Bertolino has been a member of the LAPD for 17 years and he himself has gone through two "bouts" with cancer. His mission is to help kids.
For further information regarding this event, please contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.
This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section.