Long Beach Firefighters and Police Officers were honored by 7 different neighborhood organizations last Thursday, December 13.  I had the honor of helping to present one of the awards.  It was a great event, organized by great people.
 
A big thanks to Willmore city resident Tom Martin for spearheading the event.
 
The organizations presenting the awards were the West End Community Association, the Willmore City Heritage Association, the North Pine Neighborhood Alliance, the East Village Association, Wrigley Association, Neighborhood Advisory Group and the Pine Plaza Homeowners Association.
 
Honorees include the Long Beach Fire Department and Fire Chief Dave Ellis, LBPD West Division personnel, and LBPD South Division personnel.
 
LBPD officers that were honored were Lieutenant Robert Smith, Lieutenant Joe Levy, Sergeant Richard Conant, Sergeant Ted Reno, Officer Forest Anderson, and Police Service Specialist Mary Antunez.
 
“Long Beach is honored to have such fine men and women working for our city,” said event organizer Tom Martin.  “They protect and represent our community well.”
 
Food for the event was provided by Buono’s Pizzeria and Restaurant, Smooths Sports Grille, Islands, Boston’s Gourmet Pizza, Bubba Gump Shrimp, Chili’s Bar & Grill, Gladstone’s, The Daily Grind and Outback.
 
The Long Beach Symphony also provided free concert tickets to the awardees.