Issue Date: 11/02/2011

Contact: Sgt. Belinda Nettles (424) 646-5591

LOS ANGELES AIRPORT POLICE DRILL INSTRUCTOR AND TRAFFIC OFFICER COMMENDED

(Los Angeles, California – November 2, 2011) Los Angeles Airport Police Officer Adela Lopez and Traffic Officer Eric Grimes were commended yesterday by Los Angeles World Airports Executive Director Gina Marie Lindsey, for their outstanding public service and contributions while performing their daily duties.

Officer Lopez, an Airport Police Drill Instructor assigned to the Los Angeles Police Academy was presented a commendation from George Centeno, Chief of Airport Police after receiving a letter from Charlie Beck, Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) commending Officer Lopez as "a model employee who sets the standard for not only the recruit officers, but all officers that work around her." Officer Lopez, a full time Drill Instructor at the LAPD Police Academy, was instrumental in immediately providing critical information needed for the Basic Course Certification Review by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. This saved numerous hours of work at a time when every minute was essential to complete the project. Chief Centeno said, "I commend Officer Lopez for her continued professionalism while working at the LAPD Academy. She continues to excel in her assignment and visibly strives for excellence daily."

Officer Grimes received recognition for the LAX N.I.C.E Program; the Los Angeles World Airports Customer Service Incentive Program to Neutralize Irritation Customers Experience (NICE) by providing excellent customer service. Grimes was recognized for having a calm and patient demeanor while assisting travelers at LAX. One incident involved an airline passenger

who had been flown to Los Angeles by her family, to enter into a rehabilitation program. The woman wandered around the airport for hours with no intention of entering into the program. After being assisted by and talking to Officer Grimes, the woman changed her mind and willingly entered the rehabilitation program. Officer Grimes also helped and protected a passenger and her elderly mother after a three hour delayed flight into LAX. Their vehicle broke down at terminal curbside. Officer Grimes alerted Police dispatch, blocked off the area for tow truck access and then gave the elderly woman, who was very thirsty after her delayed flight, a bottle of water. "It is a fundamental mission of Airport Police, to provide a traveler safe environment and a traveler friendly experience" said Chief Michael Hyams, Assistant Chief of Airport Police as he commended Officer’s Lopez and Grimes during ceremonies today. Chief George Centeno praised the Officers, along with all the Officers of the Airport Police, "for their customer service and dedication to keeping LAX safe for all." Executive Director Gina Marie Lindsey, expressed the importance of "Airport Police exercising sound customer service practices that provide assistance while keeping the public safe and secure while at LAX."

Los Angeles Airport Police is the fourth largest law enforcement agency in Los Angeles County, with more than 1,200 law enforcement, security and staff personnel. Los Angeles Airport Police is a division of Los Angeles World Airports, the City department that owns and operates three airports in Southern California: LAX, LA/Ontario International (ONT), and Van Nuys (general aviation).