Los Angeles: On Friday, November 16, 2001, from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., the 77^th Street Area Community Police Station will be hosting the Fifth Annual "Officer Appreciation Day." This event is the community's way of showing the officers assigned to the 77^th Street Area their appreciation for their outstanding work and great service provided to the citizens. The citizens of 77^th Division place blue ribbons throughout the division and decorate the police station with balloons and ribbons.

The event includes a luncheon that is second to none. A spectacular barbecue that the members of the community provide free to all the officers and civilian employees, as well as the California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, and the Los Angeles City Fire Department.

This event is a great morale booster to all the officers and a way for the Police Department and the community to work together in partnership.

For further information, please contact Officer Ted McHenry, in the 77^th Street Area Community Relations Office at 213-485-4285.

This press release was prepared by Police Officer Guillermo Campos, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.