“Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to see is real. The names have been changed to protect the innocent.”

So began every episode of the highly popular, class TV police drama “Dragnet,” which premiered in 1952 and ran until 1970. The show is widely credited with helping familiarize generations of U.S. viewers with Los Angeles, law enforcement and the LAPD.

On Tuesday, the LAPD and the U.S. Postal Service will host the unveiling of a stamp honoring the TV series at the Police Academy. The guest list for the event includes Jack Webb’s widow, Opal; actor Harry Morgan, who played Officer Bill Gannon the show from 1967-1970; and local officials.

All LAPD personnel and their family and friends, and stamp collectors of all ages are invited to attend. Those in attendance will be able to participate in the festivities, and purchase the Dragnet stamp, along with a special LAPD commemorative stamp, and assorted LAPD and Dragnet memorabilia.

You won’t want to miss this historic event tomorrow, Tuesday, August 11, at the L.A. Police Academy, 1880 N. Academy Road at 2 p.m.