WHAT: Rio Hondo Police Academy will add the name of Gardena Police Officer Toshio Hirai to its Memorial Plaque in a special ceremony that will include members of the Gardena Police Department, Officer Hirai’s family, honor guards from Los Angeles County law enforcement agencies and members of the Rio Hondo Police Academy Recruit Class No. 208.
Officer Hirai died in the line of duty on Nov. 15, 2018 as a result of a vehicle accident. He was a cadet in Rio Hondo Police Academy Class No. 178.
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 10
WHERE: Rio Hondo College Administration of Justice Building, 3600 Workman Mill Road, Whittier
DETAILS: L.A. Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums will start the ceremony, followed by an honor guard of Gardena police officers. After the National Anthem, Police Chaplain Rob Lee will offer an invocation.
The event will be officiated by Police Academy Director Walter Allen III; welcome remarks will be offered by Rio Hondo College Acting President Dr. Laura Ramirez. Special guest speaker will be Gardena Police Chief Thomas Kang. The plaque will be unveiled as Emerald Society pipers and drummers perform “Amazing Grace.”
Officer Hirai is the 26th law enforcement officer whose name will be added to the academy’s Memorial Plaque.
MEDIA ADVISORY
3600 Workman Mill Road / Whittier, CA 90601
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE DATE: July 18, 2019
CONTACT: Ruthie Retana
(562) 463-3145
