LLUCH patient Jayce Sorto-Foranda, 2, from Perris, felt at home as he sat in the driver’s seat of a SWAT van at the 17th annual Cops for Kids Fly In on Tuesday, Oct. 25.
Law enforcement from all over southern California came together as a united force for the patients at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) last week. The 17th annual Cops for Kids Fly In welcomed four helicopters, four SWAT vans, numerous squad cars and motorcycles, a police robot, and multiple K-9 units.
The event, aimed at giving patients a positive attitude, hope of better things to come and, most importantly, a little cheer.
“We are deeply grateful for law enforcement,” said LLU Medical Center CEO, Kerry Heinrich. “The impression you make today and the work you do to be here makes a difference in the lives of our kids.”
San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon thanked his department as well as everyone else for their participation.
“This is the least we can do for the kids,” McMahon stated. “This event is a simple way for us to give back, and we enjoy it.”
And so did the kids. Patients and their families were able to interact with the various vehicles and talk to law enforcement following the fly in.
Patient Jayce Sorto-Foranda, 2, from Perris felt at home as he sat in the driver’s seat of a SWAT van. His Mom, Jasmine Sorto, was happy her son was able to come out for the event.
“This is something kids wouldn’t get to otherwise do,” Sorto stated. “It’s nice to have a break.”
Sorto said this was her son’s first time out in a while as he has been receiving treatment on the pediatric cardiac unit for some time. “He was excited just to get in the elevator,” she laughed.
