The Honoraries, or officially, "The Honorary Members of the Long Beach Police
Officers Association," are a special group of citizens who work hard for the
betterment of law enforcement.
The "honorary" concept originated in 1966, when an amendment to the LBPOA
Bylaws was passed, establishing Honorary members in order to encourage leading citizens to become
involved with law enforcement and the community.
The purpose of the Honoraries is to actively support law enforcement generally and Long
Beach police officers, specifically.
To this end, they are involved in numerous fund raisers and other functions throughout
the year that benefit various charities. Through contributions of time and money,
Honoraries play a very important role in many worthy projects, which benefit both the law
enforcement officers and the community of Long Beach.
The Honoraries are the founders and sustaining body of the Long Beach Police
Officers Memorial, Widows Emergency and Scholarship Trust Fund. The "Widows and
Orphans Fund" has provided emergency financial assistance to the families of
police officers.
Each year the Honorary Members of the Long Beach Police Officers Association
present the "Police Excellence Award." This award is bestowed upon a Long Beach Police Officer who has made outstanding achievements throughout
the preceding year. The names are requested through the office of the
Chief of Police. Names of the officers are then forwarded to the Honorary
Executive Committee for selection.
Additionally, the Honoraries are proud to give the annual "Richard A. Rose
Career Achievement Award" to a Long Beach Police Officer who has demonstrated
outstanding dedication to service of the Long Beach community over a minimum of
20 years.
Where does the money for all this support come from? Well, primarily from yearly dues
from the Honorary members. Keep reading to find out how to join this
wonderful organization.
What about the organization? The Honoraries are officially a committee of the LBPOA.
They are governed by an executive committee, and a new chairman is appointed each year by
the POA President with the confirmation of the POA Board of Directors.
Honorary membership is open only to law-abiding citizens of good moral character who,
by their actions, display respect for the law and support of law enforcement. To become a
member, a person must be sponsored by an existing Honorary member or by an
active or retired Long Beach Police Officer. Honorary membership is then subject to
approval by the POA and Honorary Boards.
In essence, one does not become an Honorary for what it can do for that person, but to
support his local police in trying to make our city a better and safer place to live.
