LAPD Veteran Honored by Anti-Defamation League

Los Angeles: The Anti-Defamation League today presented awards to five honorees at their annual luncheon. Among those recognized was Lieutenant Fred Booker, a 35-year veteran of the LAPD.

"Lieutenant Booker’s leadership and vision have made the LAPD a leader in community relations," said Police Chief William J. Bratton, who attended the awards presentation. "We are very fortunate to have Fred on our team. I congratulate him on receiving this prestigious and well deserved award."

On Thursday, February 15, 2007, recipients received the ADL Helene and Joseph Sherwood Prize for combating hatred and overcoming bigotry. The award recognizes law enforcement officers, units and agencies that have succeeded in reducing prejudice and the effects of stereotyping in their own communities. Honorees were recognized for performing acts of tolerance and generosity beyond the scope of their normal duties and were commended for demonstrating that negative, bias-based conduct cannot be tolerated. Individual recipients were lauded for their actions in support of individuals and organizations victimized by hate crimes and/or bias-motivated incidents.

During his tenure, Lieutenant Booker has transformed the LAPD’s Community Relations Section into a premier unit within the Department, successfully linking the many diverse communities served by the Los Angeles Police Department with the law enforcement professionals who protect them. As Commanding Officer of Community Relations for 10 years, Lieutenant Booker has worked tirelessly to mitigate the presence of hatred, bigotry and violence in Los Angeles. He has successfully conveyed vital information to the public and fostered lines of communication between the LAPD and faith-based community groups, members of the Hispanic, African American, Asian, Pacific-Islander, and the gay, lesbian and transgender communities. His efforts to engage diverse communities in an ongoing dialog with the LAPD have helped transform historical remnants of anger and frustration within minority populations into positive, effective modes of communication and behavior.

California Attorney General Jerry Brown was keynote speaker at the event.

Lieutenant Booker can be reached at Community Relations Section at 213-485-4101.