The Beverly Hills Police Officers Benevolent Fund held its annual gala on Sept. 26 at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills to honor police officers who have made outstanding contributions to the community. BHPD Chief Mark Stainbrook announced several awards throughout the night. It was also a chance for the community to mingle with the BHPD and raise money for the Beverly Hills Police Officers Benevolent Fund. During a live auction, they raised a total of $57,000, and the event raised over $1 million for the third year in a row.
Throughout the sold-out event, guests had a chance to enjoy an open bar and hors-d’oeuvres with the City Council, Stainbrook, Beverly Hills Police Officers and hundreds of community members. The awards ceremony kicked off with local singer and actor, 13-year-old Malea Emma giving a resounding rendition of our National Anthem. Then Board President, Officer Christian Bond presented the first award, Sergeant of the Year to Sergeant Billy Fair. This is the second year in a row that Fair has received the award for his outstanding leadership.
Mayor Lester Friedman took the stage next, joined by Vice Mayor Sharona Nazarian and Councilmembers Craig Corman and Mary Wells. Friedman started by asking everyone to wish Vice Mayor Nazarian a happy birthday before transitioning back to the BHPD. “The Beverly Hills Police Department is one of the most respected, if not the most respected, law enforcement agency in the world, under the able leadership of Chief Mark Stainbrook, who has taken technology really to the next level,” he said. “Our City Council works to provide you with the staffing levels and equipment you need to be an effective, modern police force. More than ever, we depend upon you, as residents, to be safe. Under the leadership of Chief Stainbrook, our advancements in technology have become an example for law enforcement agencies around the country.”
To present the rest of the awards, Stainbrook took the stage. He reflected on some of the highlights of the past year, including meeting Eddie Murphy at the premiere of “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.” “Forget Eddie Murphy and Beverly Hills Cop three or four or five,” said Stainbrook. “You got the real Beverly Hills Cops right here.” He continued to express his gratitude for his team. “This is the best part about being a chief. I have such awesome staff. If anybody says I’m a good chief, no, it’s because I have such awesome officers and staff.”
The first award presented was the Clinton H. Anderson Award, which is named after the former BHPD Chief and is bestowed upon an officer who has made extraordinary contributions the community through policing. Officer Arda Guvlekjian received the award for her work with the police explorer program, enhancing youth engagement and strengthening the department’s relationship with the community. Throughout the year, she has also led security assessments, the citizen police academy and “Coffee with a Cop.” “Her commitment, innovation, innovative approach to community engagement and personal sacrifices bring great credit upon her and the police department,” said Stainbrook.
The Alan H. Carlin Award is bestowed on an officer who shows exemplary police work. This award was presented to Officer Tristan Lyga, who reported 77 arrests in 2023. “This demonstrates his outstanding dedication and skill in combating crime and ensuring community safety,” said Stainbrook. “His swift adaptation following the completion of his training further highlights his commitment and proactive approach to policing. Officer Lyga’s remarkable performance and work ethic make him a deserving and distinguished candidate for this award and he’s an example to the entire department.”
Lastly, the Marvin Iannone Award, named after the former BHPD Chief, recognizes a civilian who makes extraordinary contributions to the department or community. Stainbrook presented this award to Rocio Kershenbaum, for her contributions as a management assistant. “Her dedication and behind-the-scenes efforts made a profound impact on the staff morale and efficiency,” he said. “Rocio’s exceptional service and commitment embody the qualities of an unsung hero, making her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
The event continued with a live auction to raise money for the Benevolent Fund. During the auction, numerous exclusive Beverly Hills Police experiences were sold including SWAT Experience, K9 Experience, Beverly Hills Police BBQ and a Chef’s Experience at Steak48 with Stainbrook. The Beverly Hills Police Officers Benevolent Fund will continue to raise funds from Oct. 9 through Oct. 20 with their online auction. They are currently accepting auction items, which may be donated by emailing auction@bhpoa.org. To register and bid, please visit: https://BHPolice.givesmart.com.Â
and the event raised over $1 million for the third year in a row.
Throughout the sold-out event, guests had a chance to enjoy an open bar and hors-d’oeuvres with the City Council, Stainbrook, Beverly Hills Police Officers and hundreds of community members. The awards ceremony kicked off with local singer and actor, 13-year-old Malea Emma giving a resounding rendition of our National Anthem. Then Board President, Officer Christian Bond presented the first award, Sergeant of the Year to Sergeant Billy Fair. This is the second year in a row that Fair has received the award for his outstanding leadership.
Mayor Lester Friedman took the stage next, joined by Vice Mayor Sharona Nazarian and Councilmembers Craig Corman and Mary Wells. Friedman started by asking everyone to wish Vice Mayor Nazarian a happy birthday before transitioning back to the BHPD. “The Beverly Hills Police Department is one of the most respected, if not the most respected, law enforcement agency in the world, under the able leadership of Chief Mark Stainbrook, who has taken technology really to the next level,” he said. “Our City Council works to provide you with the staffing levels and equipment you need to be an effective, modern police force. More than ever, we depend upon you, as residents, to be safe. Under the leadership of Chief Stainbrook, our advancements in technology have become an example for law enforcement agencies around the country.”
To present the rest of the awards, Stainbrook took the stage. He reflected on some of the highlights of the past year, including meeting Eddie Murphy at the premiere of “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.” “Forget Eddie Murphy and Beverly Hills Cop three or four or five,” said Stainbrook. “You got the real Beverly Hills Cops right here.” He continued to express his gratitude for his team. “This is the best part about being a chief. I have such awesome staff. If anybody says I’m a good chief, no, it’s because I have such awesome officers and staff.”
The first award presented was the Clinton H. Anderson Award, which is named after the former BHPD Chief and is bestowed upon an officer who has made extraordinary contributions the community through policing. Officer Arda Guvlekjian received the award for her work with the police explorer program, enhancing youth engagement and strengthening the department’s relationship with the community. Throughout the year, she has also led security assessments, the citizen police academy and “Coffee with a Cop.” “Her commitment, innovation, innovative approach to community engagement and personal sacrifices bring great credit upon her and the police department,” said Stainbrook.
The Alan H. Carlin Award is bestowed on an officer who shows exemplary police work. This award was presented to Officer Tristan Lyga, who reported 77 arrests in 2023. “This demonstrates his outstanding dedication and skill in combating crime and ensuring community safety,” said Stainbrook. “His swift adaptation following the completion of his training further highlights his commitment and proactive approach to policing. Officer Lyga’s remarkable performance and work ethic make him a deserving and distinguished candidate for this award and he’s an example to the entire department.”
Lastly, the Marvin Iannone Award, named after the former BHPD Chief, recognizes a civilian who makes extraordinary contributions to the department or community. Stainbrook presented this award to Rocio Kershenbaum, for her contributions as a management assistant. “Her dedication and behind-the-scenes efforts made a profound impact on the staff morale and efficiency,” he said. “Rocio’s exceptional service and commitment embody the qualities of an unsung hero, making her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
The event continued with a live auction to raise money for the Benevolent Fund. During the auction, numerous exclusive Beverly Hills Police experiences were sold including SWAT Experience, K9 Experience, Beverly Hills Police BBQ and a Chef’s Experience at Steak48 with Stainbrook. The Beverly Hills Police Officers Benevolent Fund will continue to raise funds from Oct. 9 through Oct. 20 with their online auction. They are currently accepting auction items, which may be donated by emailing auction@bhpoa.org. To register and bid, please visit: https://BHPolice.givesmart.com.Â
