Police Dept. Receives $10,000 from Community Group

On Wednesday, March 25th at 10:00 a.m., the Pasadena Armenian Police Advisory Council (PAPAC) will present Chief of Police Bernard Melekian and the Pasadena Police Department with $10,000 that was raised, specifically, to support the California Police Chiefs Training Symposium held earlier this month.

On February 22, 2009 the Pasadena Armenian Police Advisory Council (PAPAC) hosted a mixer foundation at the Pasadena Armenian Center (740 E. Washington Blvd.) in honor of Melekian’s appointment as the 2009 CPCA President.  Over 250 people were in attendance at the 4 hour event, including elected officials, City leaders, members of the Armenian National Peace Officer’s Association, and numerous Armenian small business owners and local residents.

PAPAC is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that was started shortly before Chief Melekian came to Pasadena in 1996.  “They work as a conduit of communication between the Police Department and the Armenian community, building understanding and trust, not just the police department, but of the City as a whole.  There are many first generation immigrants who come from places where government is feared,” says Chief Melekian.  “PAPAC has been invaluable assistance in creating civic engagement in a community that may have felt isolated by their new environment.

Their contribution to one of the most successful training symposiums ever and to the inaugural event for the newly renovated and expanded Pasadena Convention Center is truly appreciated.”

We are happy to help our Police Department, says Hovannes Sarkissian, current president of PAPAC.  It is an honor to be able to serve our Chief and our City through our support of Civic functions and events and we look forward to our continuing partnerships.”