Letter to the Editor: Local Businesswoman Praises Pasadena Police

Pasadena Now received a copy of this letter “of support for our police …  who badly need it at the moment” from long-time Pasadena businesswoman Diana Olson. Olson said she sent the original to Pasadena Police Sergeant [Keith] Gomez, and also copies to Marilyn Diaz, former Police Chief of Sierra Madre and to Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez. “We need some uplifting news in Pasadena,” Olson wrote in an email.

 

Dear Sergeant Gomez:

I apologize for being late in showing my appreciation to you, as I just found your business card. It is quite appropriate to give you extra recognition during this time of disrespect and turmoil.

To remind you as to the occurrence: On a summer evening, my car stalled on Cordova (or Del Mar) by Lake Street in Pasadena. I was unable to move it close to the curb. It was rather scary to be stalled in the street, when my alternator went out. Not a good night for me. At the time, which I don’t think that I mentioned, I was stressed because my husband was dying in Huntington Hospital. A month, later, he passed away!

However, you were an incredible gentleman who directed cars to go around me. I had to wait in the dark for about 45 minutes for AAA to take my car to their repair shop. During that time, you stood by me to make sure that I was protected. I will never forget that evening….and my appreciation.

I happened to mention the situation to my friend, Marilyn Diaz, former Police Chief, with whom I had Tea at the Langham Hotel. She was so gracious in speaking about you! She said that you were one of the most outstanding officers in the Pasadena Police Department. And I then knew more how lucky and grateful that you stood by me until help came.

If you will remember, I recited to you, a poem that I wrote years ago when I was teaching about Community Helpers in Kindergarten.

“Mr. Policeman, Big and Strong,
You help people, when others go wrong.
Our streets are safe, our homes are too.
Mr. Policeman, we love You! “

We both laughed that I could still remember the poem, forty years later.

Sergeant Gomez: Please know that if it weren’t for the brave policemen like you, who are willing to defend, protect us, and possibly sacrifice their lives, I don’t know where our society would be. For most of us, do know that we revere, admire, and appreciate you and the sacrifices that you are do each day.

With continuing warm appreciation,
Diana Olson