Nearly 100 representatives of Simi Valley Police Department programs were in the audience Monday night as the department was honored for 40 years of service by the Simi Valley City Council during its regularly scheduled meeting.

The Simi Valley Police Department began operations on July 1, 1971, about two years after the city incorporated in 1969.

On Monday night, Mayor Bob Huber presented a proclamation recognizing four decades of service on behalf of the City Council.  Dozens of Simi Valley Police Explorers stood alongside an equal number of Police Officers and Civilian Staff inside the perimeter of Council Chambers.  Representatives from the department, Chief Lewis and Police Foundation Board President Alan Barkwill received the proclamation. 

The Foundation is planning some fundraising activities in conjunction with the 40^th Anniversary and the Department is planning a community celebration for mid-year.

Chief Lewis recently acknowledged the important role the Foundation plays in the community by financially supporting police department programs and equipment that are not funded. According to Chief Lewis, the police department has endured three consecutive years of reduced funding due to state budget cutbacks and the foundation and its donors have stepped in with additional funding.

In December, Chief Lewis listed the following fundraising priorities for 2011: purchasing cutting-edge technology and equipment for officers; funding hands on training and education for officers and staff; increasing services to at-risk youth; growing police department volunteer programs; supporting community outreach programs; and providing additional equipment for emergency response.

“The support of the Foundation helps ensure that Simi Valley remains a safe community,” said Lewis. “In 2010, the Foundation donated more than $67,000.”

Information on opportunities to support the brave men and women of the Simi Valley Police Department through the Foundation’s fundraising activities in order to help ensure that Simi Valley remains a safe community is available at www.svpf.org