On October 16, 2018, your Redlands Police Department participated in the 20th annual Cops for Kids Fly-in at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital. The event involved agencies from throughout Southern California and included all aspects of law enforcement. During the event, five (5) law enforcement helicopters landed in the North courtyard of the hospital and surrounding them were SWAT armored vehicles, police motors, K-9's, EOD robots and several police cars. The purpose of the display is to allow children receiving treatment at the hospital the opportunity to come outside, look at police equipment and visit with 200 plus officers/deputies in attendance. Unfortunately, not all kids can come outside. To rectify this problem, officers and deputies break into small groups and go visit the individual wards within the hospital, delivering a toy to each child. Representing RPD this year were several people (sworn, non-sworn, and volunteers) and each had an opportunity to visit with many children. This is by far one of the most humbling and rewarding events that we participate in and we are honored to represent RPD.
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Along with 12 bags of toys, RPOA donated $200 to help in supporting costs associated with putting on such a large event. We thank Riverside Police Department for the invitation to participate and we look forward to partnering with them next year.