Helicopters, heroes, and heartwarming moments at LLU Children’s Hospital 24th annual Cops for Kids Fly-In

Sirens, smiles, and helicopter blades filled the air at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital on Wednesday, October 29, for the 24th annual Cops for Kids Fly-In on the north lawn, followed by a motorcade of police motorcycles, squad cars, and SWAT trucks.

The annual event brings together law enforcement from across Southern California to lift the spirits of young patients. Helicopters touched down as officers waved to kids and families before patients explored and took photos alongside their heroes in uniform.

More than a dozen agencies participated, including the Riverside Police Department, Riverside County Sheriff's Department, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Los Angeles Police Department. Ontario Police Department, Redlands Police Department, Beaumont Police Department, San Bernardino Police Department, Colton Police Department, University of California Police Department (UCR PD), Fontana Police Department, Menifee Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Upland Police Department, FBI (Los Angeles Field Office), Val Verde Unified School District, and San Manuel Public Safety Department.

Peter Baker, senior vice president and administrator of Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, thanked officers for supporting the young patients. "We are very grateful for each one of you here today. Not only do you keep us safe, but you also go above and beyond to bring much-needed smiles to our patients."

About a dozen trained police dogs visited the hospital, each with special skills ranging from drug detection and search-and-rescue to bomb sniffing. Kids, families, and hospital staff enjoyed meeting and petting the four-legged officers.

Officers from various departments also donated hundreds of toys and books, personally delivering them to children who couldn't leave their hospital rooms.

The day ended on a touching note with a surprise 18th birthday celebration for patient Miranda Aosorno of Rialto, who received gifts, balloons, and a chorus of "Happy Birthday" from men and women in uniform.

Special thanks went to event partners La Loma Federal Credit Union, Paradise Chevrolet, and longtime supporter Pilot Ian Crocker, who helps coordinate the annual fly-in.