Chief Beck recently presented the first LAPD Purple Heart, launching an important new tradition for the Department.

The Purple Heart was presented to Margie Gillen, the widow of Commander Paul Gillen, who was killed in a 1974 Department helicopter crash during a SWAT training exercise. The presentation was made during a ceremony marking the unveiling of a portrait of Commander Gillen at the new Police Administration Building.

We owe a debt of gratitude to Police Commissioner Alan Skobin for making the LAPD Purple Heart a reality.

Commissioner Skobin was having dinner with five LAPD officers to thank them for their service, and asked for their thoughts on how he could make a difference as a police commissioner. He learned that two of the officers had been shot in the line of duty. The officers explained that not only did they suffer severe physical injuries, but they were traumatized emotionally long after the physical wounds healed. They then told Commissioner Skobin how after literally taking bullets while protecting the people of Los Angeles, they received no form of recognition for their sacrifice when they returned to work. They also told Commissioner Skobin about the lack of lasting recognition for the families of many officers killed in the line of duty. Commissioner Skobin was deeply touched by the conversation and vowed to spearhead efforts to implement the LAPD Purple Heart.

Margie Gillen is a most deserving person to receive the first LAPD Purple Heart on behalf of her late husband. We thank Chief Beck for presenting it and Commissioner Skobin for his focused efforts to establish this long-overdue symbol of recognition for the men and women of the LAPD, who risk their lives daily to protect and serve.