Los Angeles Police Foundation Honors Rick J. Caruso at 15th Anniversary True Blue Gala

Los Angeles: On Thursday, May 2, 2013, Hollywood, California, the Los Angeles Police Foundation (LAPF) honored L.A. developer virtuoso Rick Caruso at the 15th Anniversary True Blue Gala. This spectacular event took place on Paramount Pictures’ back lot where more than 700 attendees feasted on Wolfgang Puck’s fare and witnessed LAPD’s finest in action.

Rick J. Caruso, Founder and CEO of Caruso Affiliated, was presented with the prestigious True Blue Award for his extraordinary commitment to public safety, our community and those in need. As president of the Police Commission, Caruso was responsible for bringing former Police Chief Bill Bratton to Los Angeles. He was also the youngest member to sit on the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Commission.
Caruso has numerous community and philanthropic commitments, including sitting on several philanthropic boards, and a history of supporting organizations that improve the lives of children in need of healthcare and education.

As an entrepreneur, Caruso has built four outdoor lifestyle properties in Southern California in the past 20 years, offering creative retail developments that have attracted jobs, tourism and tax revenue contributions to the City of Los Angeles.

"The Los Angeles Police Department is pleased that the Los Angeles Police Foundation chose to honor Mr. Rick Caruso with the 2013 True Blue Award,” said Chief Beck. “Over the years, Rick has shown his leadership and commitment to the City of Los Angeles in many ways. His contributions to the success of the Los Angeles Police Department have been far-reaching. From his days as a Police Commissioner, his commitment to public safety remains unwavering. I am profoundly grateful for Rick’s unending support of both the Los Angeles Police Department and the community we serve. In the years ahead, we look forward to continuing our relationship with Mr. Rick Caruso, one of our City’s most visionary and influential advocates."
On hand to help pay tribute to Caruso was Master of Ceremony, Mario Lopez, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, LAPF Board Chairman Lloyd Greif and True Blue Gala Event Chairs Jeff Glassman and Jim Wiatt who all gave heartfelt praise for Caruso’s tremendous efforts and support of the LAPD. And Paul Anka, accompanied by a 16-piece orchestra, entertained Caruso and the True Blue guests.

Rick Caruso said, “I have a deep respect for and loyalty to LAPD. I was able to see first-hand and up-close the amazing work they do every single day. The men and women of LAPD don’t just protect our communities, they connect our communities. I am honored to receive this award and look forward to championing the department for many years to come.”

The dramatic event was awash in LAPD Blue, as guests browsed displays and demonstrations from 20 different LAPD units. From sitting in the cockpit of an LAPD airship to meeting the four-legged members of the K-9 Unit and Mounted Unit to participating in the Force Options Simulator, guests were enthusiastic and delighted to catch a rare, inside glimpse into the LAPD.

The LAPF can think of no better honoree than Rick J. Caruso, as we celebrate our 15th year.

About the Los Angeles Police Foundation

The Los Angeles Police Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit organization that provides critical resources and vital support to the Los Angeles Police Department. From essential equipment and state-of-the-art technology to specialized training and innovative programs that would otherwise be unfunded, the support it provides directly improves public safety, impacts officer readiness, and enhances our quality of life. As the largest source of private funding for the LAPD, the LAPF is passionately dedicated to ensuring that Los Angeles remains America’s safest major city.

Since its founding in 1998, the LAPF has awarded nearly $18 million in grants to the LAPD. This year marks the LAPF’s 15th anniversary.

For more information on the Los Angeles Police Foundation, visit www.lapolicefoundation.org