OVER 800 POLICE AND FIREMEN RIDE TO THE RESCUE IN HOLLYWOOD, CA

The LASD Lennox Station ‘10-33’ Benefit Ride brings together police, firefighters and bikers to raise money for the families of peace officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Started three years ago with a fund of $300, attendance has doubled every year and now draws officers and bikers from the length and breadth of California.

Deputy Joe Garcia, in charge of organizing the event, says, ‘There is a certain amount of responsibility thrust upon each of us to take care of each other. Part of that responsibility is looking after the families our partners leave behind when they have made the ultimate sacrifice. All the money raised by the Lennox Ride goes directly to the families of officers and firefighters killed while working to safeguard our lives and property. The benefit ride now contributes thousands of dollars in aid to these families every year.’

Over 800+ attendees were treated to a banquet lunch, prizes and a Harley Davidson raffle at the Saddle Ranch in the Universal City Walk. POWDER, a popular LA-based band with a worldwide following, was booked for a second year to headline the event. Deputy Garcia said he received numerous requests from 2004 ride participants who saw the band and wanted them back for 2005. States Garcia, ‘Powder have helped raise thousands of dollars for our families over the last two years.’

The battle to raise money is on-going. On Friday June 24th, just six days after the event, the LASD lost another member of its law-enforcement family. Los Angeles County Deputy Jerry Ortiz was shot and killed while investigating gang activity in Hawaiian Gardens. After the Deputy Ortiz fund is set up, his family will be the twelfth supported through this fund.

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For information, contact Deputy Garcia at jagarcia@lasd.org. For donations to the Downed Officers fund, email Deputy Garcia directly or visit www.lennox1033benefitride.org. Powder information: www.powdermusic.com.