CONTACT:     Sgt. Karla I. Ortiz 
(310) 877-0044 

AIRPORT POLICE WINS THE CEREMONIAL MUG IN BAKER-TO-VEGAS CHALLENGE CUP RELAY  

 (Los Angeles, California – April 15, 2013) Los Angeles Airport Police participated in the annual Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay beginning in Baker, California, and finishing in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 13 and 14, 2013. The relay is a 120-mile, 20-stage foot race among law enforcement officers from all over the world. The annual event began in 1985 with 19 teams to encourage police officers to improve their physical fitness. The competition among numerous law enforcement agencies has now grown with departments from across the country, as well as international teams from Canada, Wales and Australia.
Airport Police won the ceremonial mug 2 years in a row.  Airport Police entered this year’s competition in the “Invitational” category with a team consisting of three women and 17 men. This is the second year Airport Police Security Officers and the first time an Airport Police Traffic Officer participated in the relay race.  Approximately 25-30 Airport Police Personnel attended on their own time to support the team and assist the runners.   It has been through the hard work, dedication and commitment of K-9 Officers Alfonso Lagos and Jerome Evans that the participation of Airport Police has been successful. Airport Police placed 11th in the “Invitational” Category and 58th place out of 271 teams with a finishing time of 16 hours, 15 minute, 45 seconds--45 minutes faster than last year—and incurred no penalties or injuries.
Los Angeles Airport Police Chief Pat Gannon said, "I am proud of the men and women who represented Los Angeles World Airport Police in this year’s Baker to Vegas Relay Race in Las Vegas.  This popular race brought together thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world.  Airport Police Officers competed against some of the best runners in law enforcement and finished the race near the top of their competitive category. Great job Team LAX! “
Congratulations are extended to the following runners: Airport Police Officers Joshua Casanova, Carly Oliver, Elmer Quevedo, Willie Garcia, James Bow, Pedro Preciado, Starla Reader, Jimmy Mercado, Jesse Padilla (Airport Traffic Officer), Jaqueline Zambrano, Joseph Hernandez, Greg Iwamiya, Victor Padilla, Fran Sur, Rogelio Cuevas (Airport Security Officer), Ciro Benitez, Long Nguyen, Chad White, Charles Yoon, Ray Woods, Mark Corral, Jorge Mora, Bonza Hernandez, Christopher Faytol, and Mike Manahan
The Los Angeles Airport Police Division is the Nation's premier aviation law enforcement agency with over 1,100 specially trained police officers, security officers, and civilian staff protecting Los Angeles International, Ontario International, and Van Nuys airports.