On Saturday, April 22nd, the Los Angeles Police Reserve Foundation will present the 70th Anniversary “Twice a Citizen” Awards Gala at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. This year’s Gala will be hosted once again by the award-winning actress Patricia Heaton (The Middle, Everybody Loves Raymond) sharing the stage with LAPD Chief Charlie Beck (who started his career as an LAPD Reserve Officer in 1975.

April is Reserve Appreciation Month in the City of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Reserve Corps has an extraordinary story: seven decades of what has long been considered the gold standard of reserve law enforcement. It is a history and a legacy that must always be told. The commitment of a Reserve Police Officer is enormous, even more-so in these difficult times. These sworn reserve officers and civilian special- ists who donate their services serve with only one goal in mind: to create a safer community for all of us.

During the annual event, the Foundation pays tribute to hundreds of heroic and selfless Reserve Police Officers and Specialist Volunteers (doctors, attorneys, businessmen, former law enforcement officers, and others) who donate their time to the LAPD — held to the same standards as their full-time partners; they wear the same uniform and the same badge, protecting and serving the citizens of Los Angeles.

In addition to saluting the Reserves and Specialists of the Year, the Foundation presents the 2017 Twice a Citizen Awards to three outstanding community leaders who give of their time to support the LAPD and the City of Los Angeles:

Dr. Phil McGraw is host of the #1 daytime talk show (now in it’s 15th season, with 29 Emmy Award nominations to date); co-creator/executive producer/writer of BULL, the #1-new drama on CBS; and, author of nine #1 New York Times best sellers. Dr. McGraw has spent countless hours working with law enforcement, and specifically with LAPD and the City of Los Angeles, focusing on important issues, such as the homeless population on Skid Row. Dr. Phil and his wife Robin are known for their tireless advocacy for children and families and, in 2003, established the Dr. Phil Foundation, which funds many worthy projects benefitting disadvantaged children and families, along with other non-profits.

Dr. Phil

Hon. Mitchell Englander has served as the Los Angeles City Councilmember for the 12th District for six years. He is a staunch supporter of the LAPD and numerous community organizations; Chairman of the Public Safety Committee (among others), is at the forefront of protecting our neighborhoods and the quality of life in the San Fernando Valley, and is a sworn member of the LAPD Reserve Corps.

Mitch Englander

Hon. Bob Kellar has been a member of the Santa Clarita City Council since 2000, serving as Mayor four times. After 25 years with the LAPD, Bob retired as the Supervisor in Charge of Reserve Officer Training created the show’s “Behind the Badge” initiative to shine a light on extraordinary police officers and departments throughout the country who are at the Police Academy. His outstanding dedication and exemplary service to the LAPD, Santa Clarita Valley, and all veterans’ causes, is incomparable.

Community support of the Foundation, the 2017 Twice a Citizen honorees, and this annual gala dinner is encouraged and welcome. For more information, or to purchase a tribute ad, table or tickets to the April 22nd event, please visit www.laprf.org or call the event office at 818-994-4661.