‘Cop for a Day’ In Honor of Terminally Ill 5-Year-Old Charles Anthony Holt

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, October 28, 1999

Who:
“Precious Time Foundation for Angels on the Clock” in honor of terminally ill 5 year-old Charles Anthony Holt.

What:
“Cop for a Day”

Where:
Piper Technical
555 Ramirez Street
Space 475 (Helioport); and
Newton Area Community Police Station
3400 South Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA

When:
Thursday, October 28, 1999
10:00 a.m.

As a child, Los Angeles Police Department Officer Steve Bertolino from Newton Division was diagnosed with life-threatening cancer and more recently, he has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Understanding the plight of those diagnosed with cancer, especially children, Officer Bertolino formed the “Precious Time Foundation for Angels on the Clock” which aims to grant wishes to children diagnosed with terminal illnesses. One of the Foundation’s programs is the “Cop for a Day Program” for kids intrigued by cops and law enforcement.

Charles Anthony Holt, a 5-year-old boy, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and is a chronic hemophiliac. Charles is approximately 3 feet tall and weighs 40 pounds. Unfortunately, due to his illness, Charles is weak and must wear a helmet to protect his head from any injury which could prove fatal to him.

Through the efforts of Officer Bertolino, Charles was sworn in this morning as an honorary Los Angeles Police Officer at Newton Community Police Station by Captain Thomas R. Maeweather, Area Commanding Officer. Charles has also been fitted with a specially made Los Angeles Police Department uniform complete with an official LAPD badge. At 10:00 a.m., Charles and his parents will arrive at Piper Tech to meet with LAPD Air Support Division where he will get a tour of the City by helicopter. After his helicopter ride, Charles will go back to the Newton Area Community Police Station where he will enjoy a ride-along with Newton police officers.

The Media is invited to help Charles Anthony Holt celebrate his wish to become a “Cop for a Day.” For more information contact Sergeant Gomez or Sergeant Hayes at 213-846-6508.

For Release 12:00 pm PST
October 28, 1999