Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Bids Happy Retirement to Officer Don Miskulin at the 15th Annual Cops for Kids Fly-In
Loma Linda, Calif. (PRWEB) October 23, 2013 -- The skies over Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital once again roared with the sound of helicopters and police sirens on Tuesday, Oct. 22, as more than 100 officers from throughout Southern California took part in the 15th annual Cops for Kids Fly-In.
This year’s event was bitter sweet, as Riverside police Pilot Officer Don Miskulin, who co-founded Cops for Kids Fly-In, marked his final year of leading the event, as he retires from the police force.
Four police helicopters from different law enforcement agencies staged dramatic landings on the campus lawn, and were then joined by police motorcycles, cars, tactical, and armored vehicles in a motorcade, to loud cheers and applause from an appreciative audience, including many pediatric patients.
The children then were able to greet the officers and get on board the law enforcement vehicles. Following a welcoming program, the officers proceeded to LLUCH to distribute presents they have collected through a yearlong toy drive to the young patients.
“This is my favorite time of the year and it’s amazing to me that it’s been 15 years,” Officer Miskulin said. “It’s great to be able to bring smiles to the kids and let them visit with their heroes.”
Officer Miskulin said he’s relinquishing his leadership role, but promised that he and the rest of the law enforcement officers will be back to support the kids at LLUCH. Next year, the event will be led by Riverside police Pilot Officer Richard Estes.
During the program, Dr. Richard Hart, president of Loma Linda University Health, congratulated Officer Miskulin on his retirement, and thanked him and the other officers in attendance, including Riverside police Chief Sergio Diaz, for their support of the Cops for Kids Fly-In.
Participating agencies and associations were: Riverside Police Association; Riverside Police Department; Riverside County Sheriff’s Association; Riverside County Sheriff’s Department; San Bernardino Police Department; San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department; Los Angeles Police Department; Fontana Police Department; Ontario Police Department; California Highway Patrol; and Pasadena Police Department.
“This event has become a highlight for Loma Linda every year,” Dr. Hart said. “We really appreciate the unity of our law enforcement officers and their support of our children.”
Photo Caption: (Top Photo): Dr. Richard Hart (left), president of Loma Linda University Health, thanked Riverside police Pilot Officer Don Miskulin for leading the Cops for Kids Fly-In for the last 15 years and congratulated him on his retirement from the police force. (Bottom Photo): More than 100 police officers from throughout Southern California took part in the 15th annual Cops for Kids Fly-In at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
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About Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital - LLUCH
Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital is the only dedicated pediatric hospital in the vast geographic region of San Bernardino, Riverside, Inyo and Mono counties. With 348 beds dedicated just for kids, one of the largest Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) in the country, and more than 100,000 children who come each year, LLUCH is a major pediatric teaching facility, known worldwide as the pioneer of neonatal heart transplantation. LLUCH is part of Loma Linda University Health (LLUH), the umbrella organization encompassing Loma Linda University’s eight professional schools, Loma Linda University Medical Center’s six hospitals, and more than 900 faculty physicians located across the Inland Empire in Southern California. A Seventh-day Adventist organization, LLUH is a faith-based health system with a mission “to continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ.”
Herbert Atienza, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, http://www.lomalindahealth.org, +1 (909) 558-8419, [email protected]
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