In November, the Torrance Police Foundation board approved a grant for an additional K-9 dog for the Torrance Police department for $29,700.  With the help of our sponsors and in particular, the Honda Associates who held several fundraisers to fund a new K-9, we were able to fulfill this need.  Additionally, one of our current K-9 dogs will be trained in explosive detection (“bomb sniffing”).  To date, Torrance has been one of the few agencies without this in place. As a response to the recent increase in terrorist attacks throughout the world, having this capability will have a large impact on the safety of our community.

K-9’s have a rich history of working with law enforcement and military units dating back to the 1800s. Police K-9’s receive specific training to assist law enforcement in ways other tools cannot. The structure of a dog’s nose gives it a sense of smell that is 300,000 – 500,000 times stronger than the human nose, allowing them to follow a scent trail undetectable to humans, even breaking down specific scents. For example, humans can smell beef stew cooking, whereas a K-9 smells individual ingredients like the onions, carrots, and thyme. For that reason, K-9’s are used to sweep venues for explosives, search buildings for narcotics and apprehend suspects on the run.

Recent patrol activity has reflected the need for additional K-9 teams as well. With an increase of felony traffic stops, vehicle pursuits, foot pursuits and ensuing police containments, there is a greater need for additional K-9 apprehension teams.

The new Explosive Detection Canine will serve multiple purposes.  As has been proven in recent years, both domestically and internationally, terrorists commonly identify “soft” or vulnerable targets in search of victims.  A highly visible, active, Explosive Detection Canine has the potential to deter these types of attacks from occurring in the future.
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It is with great appreciation for the work of the Torrance Police K-9 unit that the Torrance Police Foundation supports their efforts to continue to build the resources for the work they do, and to keep our community safe. The Torrance Police Foundation will be working with community members to set up opportunities to share with the public the work of the K-9 unit.
If you own a business, and would like to host a K-9 demonstration for your employees, please contact Robin Garfield at [email protected].

On Saturday, November 11, 2017, American Honda Motor Co. Inc., and Board Member Steve Morikawa, generously hosted friends of the Torrance Police Foundation for a night of culinary delights, wine pairings and a high end silent auction. Set at the beautiful Napa Rose restaurant located in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, the evening helped raise close to $50,000 for the Torrance Police Foundation that will help fund grants to the Torrance Police in the areas of advanced equipment and training, youth programs and community outreach programs.
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“We are so thankful to Honda, one of our first founding sponsors, for their on-going and generous support of the Foundation and belief in our mission to make a safer Torrance. The Honda Evening at Napa Rose event is the highlight of our year, where supporters come together to celebrate all we have achieved.  Steve Morikawa and his staff were exceptional on creating a very memorable evening.” said Robin Garfield, Executive Director of the Foundation.
The evening began with a cheese and wine tasting, while guests bid on exclusive opportunities including a day at the firing range and ride-along with the Torrance Police, a stay at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii, Tiffany jewelry and Signature passes to Disneyland.

Guests enjoyed a buffet dinner and had the opportunity to view the food preparation while chefs explained how the culinary masterpieces were created.  Highlights included: Snow Crab Claws, Poached Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce, Grilled Prime New York with Pumpkin & Artichoke Cabernet Essence, Herb Roasted Colorado Rack of Lamb with Portobello Mushrooms, Spiced Prosciutto and Ponderosa Chili Sauce, and Pan Roasted Diver Scallops with Lemon Lobster Sauce, to name a few.

Captain Jon Megeff of the Torrance Police cancelled an already purchased trip to Las Vegas to attend. “My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the Honda Evening at Napa Rose.  The food, wine, and silent auction were amazing, but what I appreciated most was the conversation with Torrance Police Foundation board members, donors, supporters, and fellow officers.  I’m already looking forward to next year! shared Megeff.
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Guests included several of our Founding Sponsors including Tim and Twana Rogers of Tower Energy, Francesca and Doug Deaver, along with Torrance Mayor Pat Furey and his wife Teresa and Councilmember Martin Herring, as well as many of the police officers who will benefit from the evening’s success.

Board Members in attendance included: Steve Morikawa of American Honda Co., Board Chair Hank Parker of PDM LLP, David Buxton of Tormed Medical Buildings, Patrick Santy of George P. Johnson Co., Jeff Kuida of LA Prep, John Whitcombe of Greenberg Whitcombe, Takeuchi, Gibson & Grayver LLP, Robert Van Lingen of Van Lingen Towing, Terry Ray of Barrister Executive Suites, Jack Messerlian, former Torrance Citycouncil member, Greg Nakahira of Picerne Group, Frank Scotto, former Mayor of Torrance, and Dan Armendariz from California Water Service.

This year, the Torrance Police Foundation was honored to send two of our Police Officers to take part in the National Police Unity Tour from New Jersey to Washington D.C. We are proud to have supported Lt Chris Roosen and Sgt. Greg Tiddle from the Torrance Police Department on their ride.
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For the past 18 years, law enforcement officers have come together to raise awareness for those officers who have died in the line of duty. Over the years, nearly 18 million dollars has been raised and donated to the Memorial, making the Police Unity Tour the single largest supporter of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Nationwide, nearly 2,500 officers rode their bicycles from New Jersey to the Police Memorial in Washington D.C. They rode over 250 miles, stopping at several locations to honor local law enforcement officers that have died in the line of duty. In addition, they had the opportunity to attend Police Week at the Nation’s Capital. This year, Lt Roosen and Sgt Tiddle raised over $5,000 for the ride, making the Torrance Police Foundation a major contributor to the Tour.