Press Release

On Thursday, August 7, 2003, more than 27,000 spectators joined Sheriff Lee Baca and employees of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department at Dodger Stadium for the "Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Appreciation Night."

The Dodgers organization provided discount tickets to the Department, enabling children involved in various youth programs to attend this event. The evening was an excellent social family outing for Department employees. Sheriff Baca said, "We are grateful to the Los Angeles Dodgers organization for providing such a wonderful opportunity for the youth of our communities. It is of utmost importance that they be provided with positive experiences and role models to keep them on track."

Participating in the opening pitch of the ball game were Mrs. Emma Powell, wife of slain Deputy David A. Powell and their family, and Sheriff Baca. The evening highlighted twenty-six of this year's Medal of Valor and Meritorious Conduct Medal recipients, who were individually introduced and their heroic actions narrated to the crowd. The Sheriff's Department's Color Guard participated in the pre-game festivities by performing the opening flag ceremony as Department vocalists, Sergeant Angela Shepherd and Security Officer Lisa Richardson sang the National Anthem.

More than 1000 Department employees, family members, and youth program participants enjoyed this tribute to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, which was followed by the baseball game between the Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds.

SHB-90A-03

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August 14, 2003