ilshire otary Club celebrates rst responders

By Suzan Filipek

A police officer, firefighter and an emergency room doctor were honored at the Wilshire Rotary Club’s First Responders Appreciation luncheon Jan. 11 at The Ebell of Los Angeles.

“Our annual recognition and awards event gives us an opportunity to extend our gratitude to these deserving women and men who serve us bravely and are an integral part of our community,” Wilshire Rotary President Joyce Kleifield said in a press release.

“Our Rotary Club has a long-standing tradition of more than 25 years paying tribute to those individuals who serve the Wilshire area.”

Honorees at this year’s event include: Engineer Manny Zepeda of the Los Angeles Fire Dept. Station 61; Police Officer Edgar Bacilio of the LAPD Wilshire Community Police Station; and Dr. Steven Rudd, Cedars-Sinai Emergency Room.

“These uncertain times are especially challenging for our first responders, so it is wonderful to be able to honor them in this small way,” continues Kleifield.

Wilshire Rotary, founded in 1932, is one of the oldest Rotary groups in Los Angeles with a rich history rooted in service. All proceeds of their fundraising efforts go back to