photo collage showing scenes from cops for kids event

Cops for Kids Fly-In event featured helicopters, police vehicles and happy kids.

Any other day, a massive law enforcement presence on Loma Linda University’s (LLU) campus would signal something nefarious was happening, but on Wednesday, October 28, the sudden surge of motorcycles, SWAT vehicles, and helicopters from more than a dozen local agencies meant children receiving treatment at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) were about to have some fun. And fun, they had.  

The annual Cops for Kids Fly-In, an event meant to lift the spirits of pediatric patients by temporarily taking their minds off their pain and illnesses, is now in its 25th year and still a staff and administration favorite. The event brings a bit of reprieve to patients and highlights the partnership between the hospital and law enforcement agencies. 

Peter Baker, senior vice president/administrator for Children’s Hospital, said taking care of kids is a community effort. 

“To see all our forces come together, both our healthcare providers and all of our first responders, is just an experience that warms your soul,” Baker said. 

Law enforcement officers listen to remarks at hangar.

ON THE BEAT 

For participating officers and deputies, the day began at the San Bernadino Sheriff Aviation facility, where toys were loaded into a box truck. Then, the Riverside Police Department and Stater Bros. Charities each presented large checks worth a combined $41,485 to LLUCH. Finally, a police motorcade and five helicopters departed the facility and headed toward the children’s hospital.  

When the vehicles arrived on the north lawn of LLU, which is adjacent to LLUCH, pediatric patients well enough to leave their rooms were already on-site, anticipating their arrival. The patients’ joy when helicopters touched down on the lawn was palpable and increased even further when they got to see the vehicles up close.  

Officers were seen lifting one patient in and out of a helicopter. Another officer handed out Pokémon cards to children. 

Patients who could not visit the lawn were able to view a livestream from their rooms. 

Law enforcement teams broke up into small groups to visit units throughout LLUCH to hand-deliver gifts to patients at their bedside. 

officers pose for picture with patient in hospital bed

UNSUNG HEROES 

The Cops for Kids Fly-In, like the name indicates, is intended for children, but it has an impact on law enforcement as well. 

Shannon Dicus, San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner, said the event gives them a chance to thank what he considers the real heroes.  

“There is a beam of hope that has always projected itself from the property that we're on right now,” Dicus said. “And that is for the doctors and nurses and all the staff here at Loma Linda, because they provide something that we, when we need their help, can't be provided by anybody else but them.”