On Saturday, December 7, 2019 the National Latino Peace Officers Association Fresno County held their 11th Annual Dinner Dance Coat Drive at Pardini’s. Over 270 community and public officials attended the event. The new Executive Board was sworn in by Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims. The Board consist of President Ruben Diaz, Retired Assistant Sheriff; Vice President, Jose Gutierrez, California Highway Patrol Lieutenant; Treasurer Joe Ortiz, Retired Fresno County Probation Officer; Secretary Tina Hindman, Retired Fresno County; Parliamentarian Graciela James, California Highway Patrol Officer.
The Clovis High School Marimba Band, directed by Damien Garcia, provided music while dinner was served. All of the attendees enjoyed and praised the students.
Law Enforcement and Education was well represented by Clovis Chief of Police Curt Fleming, Sanger Chief of Police Silver Rodriguez, Parlier Chief of Police Jose Garza, Superintendent Baldo Hernandez, Westside School District and Parlier Unified School District Assistant Superintendent Ruben C. Diaz. Major sponsors for the event such as the University of Phoenix and Waste Management contributed to the event.
The silent auction was a huge success with over 70 items for purchase and the beautiful center pieces. Large auction items were contributed by Jose & Linda Gutierrez as well as Jerry James, CEO, Atlanta Gladiators, Atlanta, GA.
Over 600 coats and jackets were collected and distributed to Blertic Elementary School, Parlier, CA, Bailey Elementary School, Firebaugh and California Teaching Fellow Foundation, Fresno, CA. The NLPOA Fresno goals and objective is supporting our youth. A big thank you to the community members and businesses who attended and contributed to the event. Additionally, thank you to Pique Newspaper Magazine for the photos of the event.
