California AMBER Alert author George Runner joined California Highway Patrol Commissioner Joe Farrow and others at an event Monday marking the ten year anniversary of the life-saving program.
“The AMBER Alert is government at its best,” said Runner. “It protects Californians, which is the first priority of government, and it’s done efficiently and effectively.”
Runner noted that California’s AMBER Alert program has not only saved the lives of hundreds of abducted children, but has also captured abductors before they could commit further crimes.
“The State of California needed a mechanism in place to assist in recovering our children safe and sound,” said Runner. “I’m pleased to have been instrumental in the success of California’s AMBER Alert network.
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From left: Former Sen. George Runner (now a member of the state Board of Equalization) with CHP Assistant Chief Mark Brunet and former legislator Stan Statham, president of the California Broadcasters Association.
Runner shared the story of how he came to author the legislation 10 years ago based on a suggestion from a constituent who had learned of the idea during a visit to Texas, where the first AMBER Alert law was enacted.
He also recalled the very first California AMBER Alert, which ironically was issued in the summer of 2002 near his home in the Antelope Valley area. In that instance, two young ladies were successfully rescued after a Cal-Trans worker reported a vehicle matching the alert’s description.
According to CHP, the AMBER alert program has led to the safe recovery of 234 children since it was first implemented statewide in July 2002.
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That CHP officer in the middle is NOT Joe Farrow. Just saying.