Community Organizations Thank Officer Redican During Meetings

By LILY TINOCO and SARAH SHMERLING

As Los Angeles Police Department Officer John “Rusty” Redican departed from Pacific Palisades for a new full-time position at Los Angeles Police Academy in Elysian Park, Pacific Palisades Community Council and Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness thanked him for his work in the area during virtual meetings.

“Officer Redican does more than just enforce whatever laws need to be enforced,” PPCC Chair David Card shared at the board’s September 23 meeting. “He has the empathy and experience to really understand and wants to understand each individual that he comes across, and he also makes sure the volunteers who go out with him are safe. The teamwork between the task force and LAPD has been tremendous.”

Card then read part of a statement Redican shared ahead of his last day in the Palisades—Friday, September 24—expressing gratitude to the local organizations and volunteers that helped him during his time serving the community, including the West LA Beach Detail, PPTFH Co-President Sharon Kilbride, PPTFH, The People Concern, LAFD Stations 23 and 69, and others.

PPCC had a plaque made for Redican, noting that he is a “permanent friend of the Palisades.”

“We all want to say we’ll miss you, and wish you the best of luck and wonderful experiences in your new position,” PPCC Secretary Chris Spitz added. “They’re lucky to have you.”

Redican shared details about his new position, which will be as a full-time firearms instructor, teaching new recruits as they begin their careers.

“You’ve all made my life that much more richer by doing what we’ve done, and because of you guys and our teamwork, there are a lot of people whose lives were saved,” Redican said during the meeting. “I believe PPTFH and PPCC, the things you guys started back in 2015, 2016 are going to be a model for years to come, especially right now where we see the entire region starting to mimic a lot of the things that we’ve already been doing for five and a half years.”

Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness shared a presentation to Officer Redican at its latest community meeting on Monday evening, September 27.

Kilbride first walked attendees through the organization’s time with Redican, who went “above and beyond” to serve the community from 2016.

“PPTFH will miss your collaborative work … I know even many of our homeless residents will be missing you that had built a close relationship with you,” Kilbride said. “You mean so much to them as well, coaching them along … we wish you could stay but understand that your role as an arms instructor at Elysian Park is needed. It’s comforting to know that you will be training new officers and passing along your amazing skill set, and hopefully they will become outstanding officers just like you, as we need more of you, Rusty.”

Kilbride also shared a series of photos and memories before presenting Redican with a plaque that reads: “The task force thanks Officer Redican for his leadership, dedication and compassionate skill set.”

Redican shared closing remarks before signing off, thanking Kilbride and the task force.

“It’s time for a new chapter. I will be keeping an eye on you guys,” Redican said. “Thank you very much for everything you guys have done for me as well, but the work must go on … it has been an absolute pleasure. So far, the greatest pleasure that I have had in my professional life and career.”