2009 LASD Roundup Article
Just as spring and Day Light Savings Time arrive, so too does the Annual Retirees Round-Up in Laughlin, NV. This year, the largest number to date, 887 retirees gathered to attend the 9th annual Round-Up. Attendees at this years Round-Up traveled from twenty-two states: AL; AR; AZ; CA; CO; FL; GA; ID; KY; MD; ME; MD; NE; NM; NV; OK; OR; PA; SD; TX; UT and WA.
This year’s gathering was very different from the First Round-Up, which was held in Prescott, AZ in 2000. The gathering on that date was 74 retirees from California, Arizona and Nevada. The 2nd Round-Up was attended by 104 retirees in Prescott Valley, AZ who were greeted by a snow storm, much to the surprise of most who were dressed for sunny Southern Calif.
In 2003 the Round Up was relocated to Laughlin, NV where it has remained. Our host for the past six years has been the Riverside Resort and Casino owned by Don Laughlin, a life long supporter of Law Enforcement who graciously welcomes us to his hotel.
Since 2005, with the approval and support of Sheriff Baca, the Weapons Training Staff has joined us in Laughlin and conducted HR 218 Certification Training for those retirees desiring to qualify for the National CCW privilege. Deputies Ed Corrette and Mitchell Jones of the Weapons Training Staff conducted the certification this year for 267 retirees, another record participation. HR 218 Chairman Walt Bouman and his staff of volunteers did an outstanding job.
Once again the entire cost for the HR 218 Certification was borne by a donation from ALADS. We wish to thank President Steve Remige and the ALADS Board of Directors for their generosity.
Speaking of organizations which financially supported the Round-Up this year, the following significantly contributed to our success: SRA; ALADS; PPOA and PPOACU.
Present at the Round-Up with displays and information pertaining to their respective organizations were: SRA; ALADS; PPOA; PPOACU; LACERA Out-Reach Program and the Sheriff’s Museum.
On a sad note, Retired Lt. Don Lomholdt, Class 75, passed away at the age of 85 yrs. of apparent natural causes at the Round-Up. This was Don’s first Round-Up and he was looking forward to renewing friendships with many old friends and the other members of Class 75 who attended. Don was a World War II vet who flew Corsair’s off the USS Hancock.
Member Ed Walsh thought he was suffering an asthma attack and after driving himself to the hospital, found that he was having a heart attack. Ed apologized for having to miss the slots tournament. Ed was subsequently returned to Antelope Valley for bypass surgery. Ed subsequently passed away on April 24th, 2009. Ed was 81 and retired from Antelope Valley Station.
In addition to the activities coordinated by the Round-Up, ten Departmental units held individual get-togethers: Firestone Station; ELA; Norwalk; West Hollywood; Lakewood; Malibu; Homicide/Narco/Vice/Intelligence; SED/SEB; Lennox; and Aero Bureau/ESD. Additionally, The Red Hat Gang had two gatherings and we also had an Arts and Crafts Fair coordinated by Chairman Henry Reed.
Richard Shockcor won the raffled SRA Commemorative 357 Ruger Blackhawk which was donated by retiree Joe Berry. Billy Marquart won the seven (7) day vacation stay in Sith Valley, NV, which was donated by retirees Cathryn and Gary Kotler. Betsy Morgan won the seven (7) day condo stay in Hawaii donated by retirees Chuck and Corky Jackson. Additionally, cash prizes of $3,500 were awarded, with Walt and Mila Bouman winning the largest cash prize of $800. An additional prize of $200 was donated by Pete Ramirez for the 50/50 raffle in behalf of the AmVets organization.
Achievements of note, especially to retirees, was the oldest Lady Deputy in attendance, Lil Faralla at 84 yrs, and the oldest Male Deputy, Hiram Martin at 89 yrs.
Additional entertainment included two golf tournaments, a slot tournament and a Texas Holdem Poker Tournament.
Ike Sabean, photographer extraordinaire, took over 700 portrait photos, not only of individuals but also of many groups. These photos are available on the website under the photo galleries tab.