Unsung heroes

Unless you were there, you probably will never know that a very important ceremony took place April 25 at the Sports Arena. It was the 26th annual LAPD Recognition Day Awards Ceremony.

The Sports Arena must have been something in its day but time has taken its toll on the place. However, it didn't matter because the old cement-patched floor was covered with police officers and shiny badges, husbands, wives and children with proud faces armed with cameras ready to take pictures of their heroes. They were ready to see their loved ones stand on the stage before a large American Flag and hear an announcer tell their tales of goodness.

They made the place shine as 169 awards were given out, including one to my husband, Michael Ames. He received the Ray Pinker Forensic Specialist of the Year award for his dedication and commitment to a city and its people who will never know his name. That doesn't matter to him. He works hard because that is how he is made.

Other awards received by the police officers were for bravery, saving lives, unselfish deeds in the face of danger and off-duty acts of heroism.

Chief William Bratton shook the hand of every single man and woman who walked up on that stage. He has my vote-he shook hands for three hours and never wavered from his interest and genuine gratitude to these men and women.

My husband says he is only a lowly fingerprint guy who tries to catch the bad guys, but on this day he and the other LAPD officers were cheered for being the good guys-and the bad guys weren't invited. Lisa Ames Oak Park