Strong Support Shown for Police

* On May 11, the Oxnard Police Activities League sponsored Pride Bowl XIV as a fund-raiser for not only its own programs, but also to benefit the Officer James R. Jensen Memorial Trust Fund and the Officer Michael Clark Memorial Trust Fund. The annual charity tackle football game between the Ventura County police agencies, the “Raiders,” and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, the “Badgers,” took place at Oxnard High School. The event was a success with more than 2,000 people attending.

Not only was the game well-received by those in attendance, but many were pleased to see law enforcement officers involved in this community activity. We would like to publicly acknowledge all of those in the community who gave their time and effort to make this event a success.

Their assistance guaranteed the success of this event, which grossed more than $13,000. The funds will be used to enhance Oxnard PAL’s efforts in diverting the at-risk youth of Oxnard away from gangs, drugs and crime by providing them with alternative recreational and educational activities.

DENISE PAUL

and CAROLINE PARAS

Pride Bowl XIV coordinators

Oxnard

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* Shortly after I came to Oxnard from the Phoenix Police Department, Officer Jim O’Brien was tragically killed during the pursuit of the shooting suspect from Oxnard’s Employment Development Department. Although I was made aware of the support that the community had for the Oxnard Police Department and its officers, I was unprepared for the massive outpouring of support displayed in December of 1993.

On March 13, 1996, we lost Officer Jim Jensen, and the Oxnard community once again showed its support for its Police Department. From the cards, letters and flowers sent to the police station to console the personal and professional family members of Jim, to the donations of food for the reception following the funeral, to the monetary contributions made to the Jim Jensen Memorial Fund that continue to come in, I again find myself in awe as I reflect upon how compassionate and supportive Oxnard is of the uniformed men and women that I am proud to serve with.

To all of you who have lent a helping hand to our officers during our times of need, whether it was by being one of the 2,000 fans at the Pride Bowl XIV, which benefited the memorial trusts of Jim Jensen and Simi Valley Officer Michael Clark, by your gifts, or by keeping us in your prayers, I extend to you my thanks and gratitude on behalf of all the members of the Oxnard Police Department. We are truly privileged to serve you.

HAROLD L. HURTT

Oxnard chief of police