See/Hear It: Emotion-Packed, Digitally-Propelled Event Sends Heartfelt Wishes, Prayers Seeking Speedy Recovery For Retired LBPD Detective/Former LBLGP President Kim Maddox

LBReport.com

News / VIDEO

LBREPORT.com is reader and advertiser supported. Support independent news in LB similar to the way people support NPR and PBS stations. We're not non-profit so it's not tax deductible but $49.95 (less than an annual dollar a week) helps keep us online.

(Dec. 17, 2014) -- A large crowd gathered on Wednesday (Dec. 17) for an emotion-packed, digitally-propelled event -- that included a Skype connection for two-way audio and video contact -- to send heartfelt wishes and offer prayers seeking a speedy recovery for Kim Maddox, retired LBPD Detective (20+ years) and former LBLGP President, now waging a battle with cancer.

Among those filling an event tent in the parking lot of LB Lesbian & Gay Pride were [not a complete list] LBPD Chief Robert Luna, multiple members of LBPD command staff, a large number of LBPD rank and file officers, LBPOA President Lt. Steve James and retired LBPD Commander Josef Levy (a cancer survivor, who founded and is now president of the National Law Enforcement Cancer Support Foundation.)

Also present were 6th dist. Councilman Dee Andrews and retired Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal. Mayor Robert Garcia sent an aide.

LBREPORT.com was on-scene and has extended on-demand VIDEO coverage below

[Scroll down for further]

To launch video, click here.

In a release, Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride stated:

...She [Ms. Maddox] is a great leader and amazing person who always had a smile and positive attitude. Not only was she involved with Long Beach Pride for many years but she is also a detective for the Long Beach Police Dept. serving on the police force for 20+ years and helping the Long Beach community stay safe. She was inducted into Long Beach State's Hall of Fame for playing on their female basketball team, 49ers, in 1989. She still ranks among the top four performers in all of the key career categories: points (1775), assist (461), field goals (779) and steals (219). She participated in the 1980 & 1984 Olympic trials; she played for the U.S. National Team during its 1978 tour of the Orient. She is also a huge supporter & volunteer of her wife's non-profit organization, California Families in Focus. Kim has given a lot to our community and we should show her support in her time of need as well.
Through this candlelight vigil we hope to get the community, family & friends together and offer support in her hour of need. We want her to know that the City of Long Beach is behind her and that we love and care for her...