Los Angeles - On Thursday, January 25, 2001, at 9:00 a.m., Newton Area Community Police Station will be conducting a press conference along with Precious Time Foundation to promote the "Cop for a Day" program. The press conference will take place at LAPD's Air Support Division located 555 Ramirez Street, Los Angeles.

Six-year-old Margarite Flores of Los Angeles is suffering from Teret Syndrome; a debilitating disease which affects the central nervous system. Currently, there is no known cure for Teret Syndrome.

Margarite is scheduled to attend roll call at Newton Community Police Station (3400 South Central Avenue, Los Angeles) at 6:45 a.m. While donned in a police uniform, Margarite will be given an LAPD badge to wear for a day. Following the 45-minute roll call, Margarite will team up with an LAPD officer and visit a nearby donut shop, where she will indulge in hot chocolate and donuts. Margarite and her partner will then continue on to the LAPD’s Air Support Division, where she and her mother will be treated to a helicopter flight by LA’s Finest.

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.