LAPD Opens Its Doors to the Public

Residents on Saturday got an up-and-close peek into the Devonshire  Police Station, 10250 Etiwanda Ave., Northridge, during a five-hour open house.

Devonshire Divison officers patrol Chatsworth.

There were opportunities to learn about the many LAPD divisions including the search and rescue team, speak with officers about what a day on the job entails, visit the jail and see the roll-call room where officers gather before their shifts begin.

The department brought out all of its “toys” including a legends race car that attracted many of the young people who took turns piling inside the tiny vehicle.

And, of course, the U.S. Marines showed up with their truck-mounted guns, another hit with the youngsters.

Silvia Osorio, a 9-year-old fourth-grader at in Chatsworth, said she liked the Marine trucks.

“I liked the gun with an Army person. They are really cool,” she said. “I might want to be an Army girl when I grow up.”

Silvia was at the open house with her Chatsworth Girl Scout Troop 280. The girls were there to earn their “Citizen” badge.

“The Citizen patch (teaches) you how to be a good citizen and how to help others to be a good citizen. Being a good citizen is being respectful of authority and respectful of the law,” said Catalina Mayoral, 7, and a second grader at St. John Eudes School.

Taylor Vance, 10, of Cub Scout Pack 229 in Encino, said he liked the Marine guns best.

“And the turret on top of the (truck). I wished the Marines would have brought a tank with treads,” said Taylor who wants to grow up to be an engineer.

Chatsworth Neighborhood Watch will meet 7 p.m., Oct. 27, at St. John Eudes Church, 9901 Mason Ave., and gather again 7 p.m., Nov. 3, at the Devonshire Division district meeting at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 19700 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch.

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