July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

LAPD, Supporters Remember Officers Lost In 2014:

A wreath-laying ceremony attended by police officers and supporters, including former U.S. Ambassador and retired Rep. Diane Watson, was held today at the Memorial for Fallen Officers outside Los Angeles police headquarters to honor the memory of the two New York City officers fatally shot in Brooklyn.

The ceremony, organized by the Rev. Bill Minson of the Tuday Ministry in Santa Monica, began at noon with opening remarks by Los Angeles police Cmdr. Andrew Smith of Media Relations. Smith remembered not only the NYPD officers but those LAPD officers killed in the line of duty.

“We stand in solidarity with those brave New York City officers who were killed while serving the people of New York,” Smith said. “We stand in solidarity with those officers who won’t be going home to their families, who won’t be celebrating Christmas with their loved ones.”

Smith also saluted the men and women of the LAPD who have given their lives to serve this city and stop criminals who would hurt and kill others. He gave special recognition three officers who died in the line of duty in 2014, including: Christopher Cortijo, Nicholas Lee and Roberto Sanchez.

“Two of those officers, Christopher Cortijo and Roberto Sanchez were killed by drunk drivers,” Smith said.

Watson, U.S. ambassador to Micronesia under President Bill Clinton and recently retired from Congress, told the assembled crowd she was honored to be there, because her father was one of the first black officers in the LAPD in the 1930s.

“He was a black officer who had to pull his gun and fatally shoot someone in the line of duty,” Watson said. “But he never got over that shooting, the fact that he had been responsible for killing someone.”

Watson said her father took responsibility for what he did and suffered for it.

Apparently referring to recent strife between police and the citzenry, she said “those that have acted irresponsible must be accountable on both sides.

“But I come here today,” she said, “to support those officers who wear the badge and have died in service to their community. I am full of joy to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The ceremony closed with a wreath of red and white carnations being place in front of the LAPD memorial and a final prayer by Minson.

“We come here to honor the gift of all the men and women who serve in the U.S. military, who serve in the fire departments and who wear the badge as police officers,” Minson said. “Thank you…for these brave men and women.”

in News
<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...