By Mary O’KEEFE

The Glendale Police Foundation recently held a kick-off ceremony for its Glendale Police Museum Project.

“The Foundation endorsed the concept of the museum a long time ago,” said Larry Miller, co-chair of the museum project and member of GPF. “We are hopeful it will open
in the spring of 2017.”

When the idea was first presented to the Foundation by Officer Teal Metts, the GPD historian who will serve as the museum’s curator, the Foundation decided to form a committee, of which  Miller and Dep. Chief Carl Povilaitis were appointed co-chairs.

Miller explained it was  Metts’ vision that is at the heart of the museum that will be located in the lobby of the Glendale Police Dept. at 131 N. Isabel Street.

“I think, through the Glendale Police Dept.’s 110-year history, so many great people have come and gone and made our agency what it is today. The stories and artifacts will touch many groups for different reasons,” said Metts in a press release. “It’s important for new
hires to know that this is not just a new career they’re embarking on but a legacy that they’re responsible for maintaining. For retirees, it serves as a rare and sentimental trip back in time. For guests and children, it’s an educational look
into our history, stories of dedi-cation, heroism and even the tragic loss of life to protect the community.

“It is also my hope that the museum even inspires some to come and join the many opportunities within our law enforcement family and continue on with our story.”

The goal is to raise $200,000 for the museum project and the Foundation was “off to a great start” according to Miller. Before officially beginning to fundraise, over $35,000 has already been donated by the Foundation, its members
and from some in the department.

GPD has a rich history in early California law enforcement. The department has several pieces already for the museum including memorabilia, uniforms, equipment and a lot of photographs. At present the items are in a storage room.

Metts thought it was important to share these items and what better way than with a lobby museum.

The Glendale Police Foundation is  governed by a Glendale-based volunteer board of directors. The Foundation is taking the lead in the fundraising campaign for the Museum, which will be funded entirely by donations from the community.

All donations will be tax deductible through the Glendale Police Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Anyone who has memorabilia from the GPD past or has questions concerning the museum or would like to donate can email larmil@att.net.

The Glendale Police Dept. Museum is a project of the Glendale Police Foundation, P.O. Box 10142, Glendale, CA 91209-0142, tax ID# 95-6222730.

  Mary Okeefe