WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. - From classic cars to HMMWVs, spectators and participants alike came out to support the Los Angeles Police Department's 11th annual "Still Saving Lives" car show and safety fair May 31.
The event's goal was to raise funds for the LAPD's Valley Traffic Division, responsible for the investigation of traffic collisions and traffic-related crimes, which also performs functions for the public that are sometimes outside the city's budget.
Soldiers from the U.S. Army Reserve's 730th Transportation Company and 387th Quartermaster Company (Mortuary Affairs) participated in the event by providing a military vehicle display for the fairgoers.
Officer Kevin Vanklaveren of the LAPD's Valley Traffic Division has organized the event for the past three years and stressed its importance as a fundraiser.
"The reason for the event is to raise funds for our boosters," Vanklaveren said. "These funds are directly assisting officers."
Vanklaveren said the money raised by the Valley Traffic Advisory Council with the annual car show and its sister event, the "Still Saving Lives" Golf Classic, goes to the LAPD's Valley Traffic Division's uniforms and equipment, and also community outreach programs like child car seat inspections.
"The event is the main lifeline of the VTD, picking up where the city is not able to provide funding," said Vanklaveren.
Vanklaveren estimated about 5,000-6,000 local residents attend the fair each year, which is free and open to the public, enjoying restored classic cars, music, food, and learning the importance of vehicle safety.
Car show participants paid an entry fee, and fairgoers could participate in a live auction, with all funds going towards the LAPD's Valley Traffic Division.
Auction items included "a day with SWAT," and an LAPD helicopter ride.
Owners of the classic cars on display entered the car show for varying reasons, but some specifically attended because they deemed the fair a good cause.
"I'm supporting the police," said Gary Wales, owner of a 1917 La Bestioni Boat Tail Speedster and winner of "Best in Show." Wales said his nephew is a police officer in Topanga, Calif., and that is why he entered the car show.
Alongside the meticulously-maintained classic cars, Reserve soldiers enjoyed introducing local residents to Army vehicles.
"It's fun showing people our vehicles," said Spc. Edwin A. Ramirez, a motor transport operator with the 730th Transportation Company.
The Reserve soldiers at the event answered questions from residents about the vehicles, allowed them to take photos, and even jump in the drivers' seat.
The soldiers also understood their role at the fair was a serious one.
"We are informing the civilians to take an extra step to be cautious," said Spc. Andy Diaz of the 387th Quartermaster Company.
Both Diaz and Spc. Valerie Fuentes, also a mortuary affairs specialist with the 387th, agreed that their line of work added a somber reminder to the dangers of vehicle accidents.
"We're here representing our unit, but also the worst that could happen," said Fuentes, stressing vehicle safety.
As mortuary affairs specialists, Fuentes and Diaz are trained to handle the remains of their fallen comrades with full honor and dignity. Mortuary affairs specialists also occasionally embark on search and recovery missions to bring back the remains of fallen American soldiers wherever they are found in the world, Diaz said.
"It's a privilege and an honor to be selected to bring a family some closure," said Diaz.
Their unit, the 387th, is currently on a rotation partnering with a local police department's mortuary division, another display of partnership between the local police and Army Reserve units.
For more information about the Valley Traffic Advisory Council, visit www.vtac-vtd.org.
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