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2nd ANNUAL AMERICA HEROES BENEFIT GROUP / LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT, TRANSIT SERVICES BUREAU, MEMORIAL RIDE AND CAR SHOW, A BIG SUCCESS BUT NOT WITHOUT SOMBER REMINDERS

At 8:30 AM, on Saturday, August 27, 2011, at Pomona Valley Harley-Davidson, in Montclair California, it was already near 90 degrees. Sheriff’s Sgt. Robert Anderson, “R.J.” as he’s known to his friends, arrives, being pushed in his wheelchair by family and friends. A breathing apparatus on his lap, and strapped to his head. He’s no longer able to breathe on his own, or speak for that matter. The scene had all the makings of a tear jerking, cry fest. Nothing could’ve been further from the truth.

Friends, co-workers, family, and even some who have never had the pleasure of making R.J.’s acquaintance, gathered around him like a rock star. As he battles ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, he is still quite aware of what’s going on around him. Many ask his devoted wife, Christine, if they can take a picture with him, she answers, “Are you kidding? He would love to!” R.J. nods his head when you speak to him, or shakes it when you ask if he minds all the attention.

When the over 150 motorcycles, and 25 custom cars, arrive at the restaurant, Nick’s Taste of Texas, in Covina, they’re greeted by over 100 well-wishers just waiting for the “party” to start.
The crowd quickly grew to just under 300 people. R.J. and his family arrive to thunderous applause. American Heroes Benefit Group, Inc. President and Co-Founder, Klaus Girmes, along with Vice-President Fidel Parra, both L.A. County Sheriff’s employees, thanked the crowd and got to the business at hand. Honoring the six heroes that have made the ultimate sacrifice for their communities, and one that refuses to quit fighting.

Several former co-workers gave moving memorials to the fallen. None more so than that given by Hawthorne Police Chief Robert Fager, for fallen Hawthorne Police Officer Andrew Scott Garton. Garton succumbed to injuries he sustained in a traffic collision on May 26, of this year. Fager said of Garton, “With all of the successes that he had attained on our department and in life, he told me more than once, the most important thing he had accomplished was having a family to come home to. It is that foundation in dedication and personal values, held within our law enforcement community and it’s members such as Andrew, which make the continual difference for all the public”.

The other fallen heroes honored were:
L.A. Sheriff’s Sgt. Carlos Ponce, who died on August 2, 2010

L.A. Sheriff’s Sgt. Destry Bell, who died on November 21, 2010

L.A. Sheriff’s Dep. Thomas Gallagher, who died on February 25, 2011

L.A. Sheriff’s Dep. John Edwin Pries III, who died on February 28, 2011

South Pasadena Police Ofcr. Kevin A. Sandoval, who died on August 14, 2011


L.A. Sheriff’s Department, Transit Services South Bureau Captain Holly Perez, who also attended the event, commented, “I really believe it’s important for us, the law enforcement community, to come together and remember those who did the job that we do, and didn’t come home.” “it’s events like this that allow us to interact with the citizens that we protect and show them that we have families like they do, show emotions like they do, and we grieve like they do. We are all part of the same communities”

It’s unknown what the future holds for R.J. and his family, but one thing is certain. As evidenced by Christine Anderson dancing with her family, shortly after tearfully thanking her husband for being her “Hero”. No one in the Anderson family is giving up any time soon. A lesson in courage that we all might take something from.


Those interested in making a donation, or would like to see more about those AHBG helps should visit their website at:

www.ahbginc.org or to email you can click on the “contact us” tab on the website.
AHBG is currently working with LASD Detective Ron Hernandez and several of Sgt. Carlos Ponce’s closest friends, to restore Sgt. Ponce’s 1967 Chevrolet Malibu. It was a dream of the fallen Sgt. to do this. A dream that will be realized by AHBG on his behalf. Once completed, the Malibu will be returned to Sgt. Ponce’s family. Your donations will help AHBG complete this restoration.

Staff members are also available via a toll free number: 888-349-6041. You are encouraged to visit the website and make a donation. Your donation may be tax-deductible up to the amount allowed by law. Please consult your tax professional. AHBG, Inc. is registered as a non-profit corporation in the state of California, Federal Tax ID# 27-4131285. 501(c)(3) status pending.


Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local sheriff’s station or police department. Or, if you wish to remain anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

L.E.T. Ramon Montenegro, Unit Media Liaison Officer
Transit Services Bureau
Homeland Security Division
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Ofc.: (213) 922-3649
Email: [email protected]


Leroy D. Baca, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department


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Address/Location
LASD - Transit Services Bureau H.Q., Los Angeles County Sheriff
One Gateway Plaza, M/S 99-PL-15
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-Emergency: (323) 563-5000

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