Topanga Station Children’s Room Dedication NA09228BB

WHAT:
Dedication ceremony of the new children’s room, which serves as a calming environment for children visiting the station.

WHEN:
Thursday, August 27, 2009
9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

WHERE:
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)
Topanga Community Police Station
21501 Schoenborn Street
Canoga Park, CA 91304

WHO:
Los Angeles City Councilmember Greig Smith, District 12
LAPD Captain III John Sherman, Commanding Officer, Topanga Area
LAPD Captain I Steve Sambar, Commanding Officer, Topanga Area
LAPD Detective III Joel Price, West Valley Area
LAPD Detective III John Alviani, Topanga Area
Nicole Parker Foundation Representative Lori Parker-Gladstein
Muralist Kris Fisher

WHY:
On November 20, 1993, eight-year-old Nicole Parker disappeared from outside her father’s Woodland Hills apartment where she was last seen playing with a softball and glove in the courtyard.  Nicole’s disappearance was reported to police and a search was conducted, but Nicole could not be found.  The following day, leads took detectives to a neighbor’s residence where they found Nicole’s body.  The neighbor was arrested and ultimately convicted of sexually molesting and murdering Nicole.  He is currently on death row in San Quentin Prison.

Nicole’s death was not only devastating to her family and friends, but also had a profound effect on the homicide investigator who handled her case, Detective Joel Price.  Detective Price, himself a father of three, was so moved by Nicole’s loss and the grief experienced by her family, he developed a lasting bond with her family that continues to this day.

Together, Detective Price and Nicole’s family founded the Nicole Parker Foundation, which was established in Nicole’s memory and is dedicated to supporting child victims.  The Foundation’s primary fundraisers include a yearly golf tournament and an annual comedy night.

Thus far, the Foundation has raised in excess of $250,000, which they have donated to organizations including the Audrey Hepburn CARES Team at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Northridge Hospital’s Center for Assault Treatment Services.  The Foundation has also funded several “children’s rooms” at local police stations with the intent of providing a safe, calming environment for children in crisis.

For his commitment to the Nicole Parker Foundation and at the request of Nicole’s family, the children’s room at the Topanga Area Police Station has been named in honor of Detective Joel R. Price.

Please join us on Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 9 a.m. in the Topanga Area Community Room for the dedication ceremony of the new children’s room.

CONTACT:
For additional information, please contact Detective Julie Rodriguez at 818-756-4826.