New LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell made the rounds of the valley this week. The Valley Economic Alliance hosted him at a gathering whose title sponsor was Tim Gaspar of Gaspar Insurance.
The event was attended by community leaders, politicians and LAPD officers from all valley divisions.
McDonnell addressed the large group, saying, “Crime is our main business. Statistics don’t reflect the pain and suffering it causes, but do reflect where we need to focus our efforts.”
He explained that crime may be down, but “disorder” is not, such as the smash and grabs and random business robberies.
McDonnell said that, “Tonight the keyword is partnership. All of us see our job as public safety. Police put everything on the line – including their lives. And they can’t do it alone. There has to be a partnership with the community and business community.”
Commander Elaine Morales spoke at the meeting, echoing McDonnell’s emphasis on partnership, saying that there are more civilian volunteers in the Valley Bureau than in the rest of the city. She said that the Valley is the largest out of the seven LAPD Divisions, with 1,600 officers serving the San Fernando Valley.
McDonnell is the 59th Chief of the LAPD and was sworn in on November 8 at L.A. City Hall. He is the former head of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, and previously served as Chief of Police in Long Beach. He has 43 years experience in law enforcement, and now oversees all of LAPD’s operations, including those in the valley.
Gaspar said of the event, which had over 400 attendees, that it was an opportunity to show our respect for our officers, and that the Chief was “absolutely, positively, committed to this city.”
The event was underwritten in part by St. Mary’s Assyrian Church and supporting sponsors Steve and Nicole Fazio.
Sonya Blake, President and CEO of the Economic Alliance, noted that over three decades the Alliance has worked with the community and the LAPD, saying, “When we work together the possibilities are endless.”
The Valley Economic Alliance is a strategic private-public collaboration made up of governments, corporations, small businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations whose mission is to engage and unite behind the principles, policies, and practices necessary for economic vitality and prosperity.
