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.”