by Winston Chua

LOS ANGELES - The 2010 Eagle & Badge gala Saturday night honored individuals who have had a major impact on the community and have established remarkable legacies in Los Angeles. The event was held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel, presented by the Los Angeles Police Protective League’s Eagle and Badge Foundation in L.A. and produced by E & B Event Chair Arthur M. Kassell.

Funds raised through the event, entitled “In the Line of Duty Legacy Awards”, will benefit the Eagle and Badge Foundation, which provides financial support for police officers and their families along with the children and community-based organizations in the community they serve.

California Attorney General Jerry Brown presented Los Angeles County Sheriff Leroy D. Baca with a 2010 Line of Duty Legacy Award. L.A. County District Attorney Steve Cooley presented Los Angeles Dodger owner Frank McCourt with a legacy award as well. Kassel, a recipient of an award who helped make the night’s event possible, joined KCBS Sports Director Jim Hill and L.A. City Council President Eric Garcetti in co-hosting the event.

L.A.P.D. Chief Charlie Beck presented the 2010 Medal of Valor Awards, the L.A.P.D.’s highest and most prestigious honor for those who have displayed acts of extreme courage in facing imminent peril.

Entrepreneur Paula Kent Meehan of Beverly Hills, said, “I think Sheriff Baca has done an outstanding job. I’ve been an admirer and respecter of his achievements. The control that is needed on a serious, conservative basis is what he’s giving.”

“When you look at the police representing the city of Los Angeles, anytime you can show your appreciation for what they do for us, you do it,” said former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, who gave the invocation Saturday. “They put their life on the line every day, because that’s what they want to do. So I’m proud to be associated with the police because they are the best.”

Speaking of the Dodgers, Frank McCourt announced that he will invite all of the roughly 10,000 members of the Los Angeles Police Department and their families to come up to Dodgers Stadium, before the end of the year, at no cost.

This year’s Dinner Committee chairs included Chief Charlie Beck and Robert M. Hertzberg. Co-chairs included Lasorda, Sylvester Stallone, among others.

“I’m here tonight because I support the efforts of Arthur Kassel. He is doing such great work on behalf of his late wife. I applaud his continued efforts,” said Fox News anchorwoman Christine Devine. The journalist stood alongside friend and retired Santa Monica Police Officer Cristina Lopez. “And of course we all need our law enforcement, so to support law enforcement in Los Angeles is very important.”

Devine was among more than a handful of celebrities and local politicians, who included Sharon Stone, Lasorda, Hill, Meehan, Gary Collins and screen legend Ruta Lee.

“It’s always important to support the police. They are at the forefront of protecting our communities. They lay their lives on the line for us and we should always remember them,” said Beverly Hills participant Igor Korbatov.

Al Han, immediate past vice chairman of the Republican Party of Los Angeles County, said, “I think the LAPD has a tremendous task ahead of them and every cop that’s out on the beat takes a lot of risk in what they do. It’s really hard to enforce the law today, because every officer is worried about potential lawsuits filed against them.”

Also attending the event were Tribune publisher Clif and Candace Smith, Beverly Hills Vice Mayor Barry and Sue Brucker and Beverly Hills School Board Vice President Lisa Korbatov. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was also recognized.