LLUCH Bids Happy Retirement to Officer Don Miskulin at 15th Annual Cops for Kids Fly-In

For 15 years, law enforcement from all over Southern California has provided a thrilling, involved parade for the children at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH). This year’s event honored Riverside police Pilot Officer Don Miskulin, who co-founded Cops for Kids Fly-In. This marked his final year of leading the event, as he retires from the police force. For the kids who came outside to watch, helicopters circled around the tall buildings before landing on the lawn and a long line of police motorcycles swept up from the streets and parked single file. As soon as the equipment was switched off and the officers dismounted, the kids, parents and staff members came down to mingle and meet with the men and women in law enforcement. The children were invited to sit on or in the equipment, take pictures with officers, and climb aboard police choppers. Along with the meet-and-greet parade, a toy drive takes place and officers distribute the presents they spent a year collecting to their young fans inside the hospital units. Fifteen years ago, the fly-in was established by now Sacramento Sheriff’s Air Operations Pilot Jeff Werblun, and his then flying partner, Riverside Police Pilot Don Miskulin. “This year is going to be big,” Herbert Atienza, Media Relations Specialist at Loma Linda University (LLU), said in reference to Miskulin’s retirement. “It’s been a lifelong commitment of his and … he’s planning on passing on the torch to someone new now.” “This is my favorite time of the year and it’s amazing to me that it’s been 15 years,” Officer Miskulin said. “It’s great to be able to bring smiles to the kids and let them visit with their heroes.” Officer Miskulin said he’s relinquishing his leadership role, but promised that he and the rest of the law enforcement officers will be back to support the kids at LLUCH. Next year, the event will be led by Riverside police Pilot Officer Richard Estes. Some of the law enforcement present came from areas including Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Los Angeles, Fontana, and Ontario. California Highway Patrol officers also participated. “It’s been such a joy,” Don Miskulin said when he took the microphone during his thank-you ceremony. He was then presented with an award for his service to the force and to the hospital. With a promise to be present at next year’s 16th annual fly-in, he and the other officers moved on to the toy drive. “It’s an emotional event,” Briana Pastorino of LLUCH said. “Nothing matches the kids’ smiles and excitement every year.” [END] 15th Annual Cops for Kids Fly-In at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. Tuesday, Oct. 22 10:45 a.m. events start Police Motorcade at 11 a.m. Loma Linda University Medical Center (North Lawn and Children’s Hospital), 11234 Anderson St., Loma Linda, CA 92354. LLUH PR: The skies over Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital once again roared with the sound of helicopters and police sirens on Tuesday, Oct. 22, as more than 100 officers from throughout Southern California took part in the 15th annual Cops for Kids Fly-In. This year’s event was bitter sweet, as Riverside police Pilot Officer Don Miskulin, who co-founded Cops for Kids Fly-In, marked his final year of leading the event, as he retires from the police force. Four police helicopters from different law enforcement agencies staged dramatic landings on the campus lawn, and were then joined by police motorcycles, cars, tactical, and armored vehicles in a motorcade, to loud cheers and applause from an appreciative audience, including many pediatric patients. The children then were able to greet the officers and get on board the law enforcement vehicles. Following a welcoming program, the officers proceeded to LLUCH to distribute presents they have collected through a yearlong toy drive to the young patients. “This is my favorite time of the year and it’s amazing to me that it’s been 15 years,” Officer Miskulin said. “It’s great to be able to bring smiles to the kids and let them visit with their heroes.” Officer Miskulin said he’s relinquishing his leadership role, but promised that he and the rest of the law enforcement officers will be back to support the kids at LLUCH. Next year, the event will be led by Riverside police Pilot Officer Richard Estes. During the program, Dr. Richard Hart, president of Loma Linda University Health, congratulated Officer Miskulin on his retirement, and thanked him and the other officers in attendance, including Riverside police Chief Sergio Diaz, for their support of the Cops for Kids Fly-In. Participating agencies and associations were: Riverside Police Association; Riverside Police Department; Riverside County Sheriff’s Association; Riverside County Sheriff’s Department; San Bernardino Police Department; San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department; Los Angeles Police Department; Fontana Police Department; Ontario Police Department; California Highway Patrol; and Pasadena Police Department. “This event has become a highlight for Loma Linda every year,” Dr. Hart said. “We really appreciate the unity of our law enforcement officers and their support of our children.” FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Herbert Atienza Media Relations Specialist Phone: 909-558-8419 E-mail: hatienza@llu.edu Website: lomalindahealth.org ________________________________________ MEDIA ADVISORY: About 100 police officers from Southern California to land helicopters, stage motorcade at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital tomorrow WHAT: The 15th Annual Cops for Kids Fly-In at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. About 100 police officers are expected to participate in the annual event, a toy drive that brings together officers on board helicopters, motorcycles and patrol cars from a number of California cities and agencies, including those in the Inland Empire, as well as Orange and Los Angeles counties. This year, LLUCH celebrates Don Miskulin and his 15 years of work with the Fly-in as he is slated to retire this year. Officer Miskulin co-founded the Cops for Kids Fly-in 15 years ago and has worked tirelessly to ensure that the program brings many smiles to pediatric patients at LLUCH. His successor, a trusted colleague and fellow officer, is set up for success to continue this long-standing tradition. WHEN: Tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 22). Events start at 10:45 a.m., with patients and community members meeting outside mingling with Luke the Lion, the hospital’s mascot, to await the Police Motorcade which begins at 11:00, complete with motorcycles, tactical vehicles and police cars. Police helicopters will land on the North Lawn (across from University Church) at 11:15 a.m. WHERE: Loma Linda University Medical Center (North Lawn and Children’s Hospital), 11234 Anderson St., Loma Linda, CA 92354. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: 11:00 a.m. – Motorcade: police cars, tactical vehicles, motorcycles 11:15 a.m. – Helicopters to land on North Lawn (across from University Church) 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Children to tour helicopters, motorcycles, and visit with officers 12 p.m. to 12:15 – Children’s Hospital Administrator Zareh Sarrafian welcomes the officers; presentation to Don Miskulin 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. – Children will receive the toys PARKING: Media parking is available at the School of Dentistry Parking Lot, just east of the North Lawn. Please enter off University Street at Guard Gate. INFO: Please call Herbert Atienza at 909-809-8547(Cell).