LAPD Officer to Receive Prestigious American Legion State Law Officer of the Year Award NA13111cj

WHAT:
The American Legion – 95th Annual Convention – Awards Presentation

WHEN:
Friday, June 28, 2013
12:30 p.m.

WHERE:
Riviera Hotel
1600 Indian Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, Ca.

WHO:
LAPD Officer Heidi Stoecklein

WHY:
Each year, the American Legion selects a law enforcement officer who  is well-rounded, has exceeded, above and beyond, the duty requirements of his/her position, exemplifies the virtues of professionalism and dedication,  demonstrated a distinct pattern of community service, proven his/her personal dedication to societal security and protection.  The State Officer of the Year Award is presented annually at the American Legion Department of California State Convention to the winner selected by the Law and Order Committee from the applications submitted from the regional posts throughout California.

Officer Stoecklein joined the LAPD in 2002. As a police officer she has worked a variety of areas and assignments.   Currently she holds the position of Senior Lead Officer. Officer Stoecklein is being recognized by the American Legion for her incredible law enforcement work and her commitment to public service.

In 2012, Officer Stoecklein organized the first shoe drive for underprivileged families in the community called “Operation Shoes from Santa.”  As a result of her efforts, LAPD Officers distributed more than 600 pairs of new shoes to pre-registered school-aged children.  In late 2012, Officer Stoecklein coordinated a large scale fundraiser for a police officer’s 10 year old child who is stricken within a rare form of cancer and undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. This fund raiser was a success providing funds and support for a family in need.

Officer Stoecklein has been recognized with the State of California’s highest award presented for an outstanding act of daring or bravery for rescuing a victim that was shot in the head who lay unconscious near a barricaded suspect who was armed with a rifle in 2009. She also received her department’s Police Star for this incident. In 2013, Officer Stoecklein received a second Police Star for rapid deployment into an office building where the suspect, who was still at scene, shot and killed his former boss. She and her fellow officers took the suspect into custody and saved potential victims from further threat. The Police Star is awarded to officers for performing with exceptional judgment and/or utilizing skillful tactics in order to defuse dangerous and stressful situations. Based on her current and past performance Officer Stoecklein has demonstrated she is a well-rounded law enforcement officer who has exceeded the duty requirements expected of her position and has demonstrated a distinct pattern of community service coupled with professional achievement.

In selecting Officer Stoecklein for the American Legion State Law Officer of the Year Award, the organization noted that she volunteers and is a member of the following organizations:

A Chance for Children Foundation which strives to empower at-risk youth by providing the opportunities to set goals and the tools to achieve them by consistently exposing them to new experiences outside the dangers and struggles of their daily lives each child will have ~ chance for a better future. This organizations exposes inner city and at risk youth to sports programs, after school programs, mentoring and tutoring, scholarships, and special events like surfing, fishing and scuba diving.
Best Day Foundation which helps children with special needs, builds confidence and self-esteem through safe, fun, adventure activities like surfing, body boarding, kayaking, and snow sports. This foundation creates special days for children with Autism, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Blindness, Cancer, Spinal Cord Injuries, and other physical and developmental challenges.
A member of the event and fundraising committee for the Hispanic American Commanding Officers Association which assists youth with scholarships and is committed to the career advancement of qualified men and women in the field of law enforcement and criminal justice. –
Special Olympics, Olympic Area Law Enforcement Torch Run event coordinator.
The 2013 Annual Awards committee for Los Angeles Family Housing, an event that is also a fundraiser. Their mission is to help families transition out of homelessness and poverty through a continuum of housing enriched with supportive services.