Webster’s defines a roundup as “the gathering together of scattered items or groups of people.” Well we managed to gather together 725 people from all over the United States and bring them together for the 12th Annual LASD Roundup. The Roundup was held at the Riverside Resort and Casino from April 3rd through 6th in Laughlin, Nevada. Those who attended came from AZ, AL, AR, CA, CO, FL, HI, ID, KY, MD, MO, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX and UT.

Now you may ask yourself, why do some people travel so far just for a gathering of retired folks? The answer is plain and simple and can be found in the words of a song by Sister Sledge, “We are Family.” No matter where we worked or who we worked for or with, it is about the friendship and camaraderie that we developed while working on the job that brings everyone together during those brief four days in April. It is walking into the Briefing Room or a unit function and laying eyes on an old friend or partner that you have not seen in 20 years. A now long retired patrol deputy reunites with an RTO who handled a call many plus years ago and that bond is still there. It happens all the time during those fleeting four days. It is that joy and happiness and past memories that so many of us shared together that makes the Roundup a worthwhile event to attend.

The Roundup is many things but it is also a busy time. Besides trying to see everyone that you know is coming, there is so much going on, you wish at times you had a clone so you could be in more than one place at a time. The events included the Bowling Tournament, two Golf Tournaments, fifteen individual unit or group functions, the Poker Tournament, Slots Tournament and an Arts and Crafts Fair. The units that held functions included; Firestone, Norwalk/Pico Detective Division, Malibu, AV Stations, West Hollywood, SED/SEB, Avalon, ELA, San Dimas, Carson, Aero Bureau, Lennox and Lakewood. The Red Hat Gang also has three functions. I try to avoid checking on these ladies in red while their events are in progress. The chants of “take it off, take it off” often arise when a lone male walks into the room.

One of the big highlights of the Roundup is the HR 218 National Concealed Carry Qualification course that is put on by the LASD Range Staff. This year 272 of our retired members successfully completed the course. Retired Sergeant Walt Bouman is the coordinator and he and his crew of volunteers did an excellent job as usual. Deputies Ed Corrette and Mitch Jones were our instructors from the LASD Range Staff and did an outstanding job. Ed was just happy that he is seeing less and less of the green ammo. The Roundup would like to thank President Floyd Hayhurst and the Board of Directors of ALADS for completely funding the cost of the concealed carry qualification. We would also like to express our appreciation to Sheriff Leroy Baca for his continued support in providing the Range Staff so that we may hold this qualification every year.

This was the 12th annual Roundup and it was the ninth year that it has been held at the Riverside Resort and Casino. The Roundup is sort of like the Rose Parade. The planning for the next Roundup starts the day after it ends. But each year it seems to get a little easier. Why you may ask? Because of the enormous amount of support from our cadre of volunteers who step forward to assist. If you really do not want to miss seeing anyone at the Roundup, volunteer for a stint working the registration desk. This is exactly what many do because they know sooner or later everyone passes in front of it. Our volunteers are the backbone of our Roundup and all of their help goes into making it a success. I would be remiss in not thanking all of them. A big thank you to Charlie and Linda Engelbart who are in charge of all our desk volunteers, the registration desk and the day to day operation of the Briefing Room; Jacque Franco and Linda Engelbart who are our very beautiful and persuasive 50/50 raffle chairpersons. Between them and the others who assisted, they sold over $6500 in 50/50 raffle tickets.

One of my favorite volunteers may be short in stature but he is gigantic in heart. He is our Roundup Official Photographer, Galen “Ike” Sabean. Ike and his dedicated staff took over 400 pictures of Roundup attendees. The other chairpersons who make all the events happen are; Peggy Kisella (Bowling), Norm Copping (Golf), Henry Reed (Arts and Crafts), Tony Hollins (Slots), Robyn Mullen (Poker) and the countless volunteers who manned the registration desk.

There is one volunteer that I have to mention personally because of the amount of work that this person does throughout the year to ensure that everyone has a good time at the Roundup. That is my wonderful wife Robyn (sorry for the shameless plug). She coordinates all of the food, beverages, money tracking, name tag printing, handling of all the door prizes, paying the bills, etc, etc, etc. She not only puts up with me but helps keep me sane during the four days. I would also like to thank Retired Deputy Woody Polidore who presented Robyn with a beautiful well deserved plaque for her service to the Roundup and the retirees. After that, Woody somehow managed to persuade me to buy him several drinks. He kept puffing out his chest and yelling “Two Minutes.”

We would also like to thank each and every one of you who donated a door prize to the Roundup. Your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated by all of those who were fortunate to win one. The winner of the SRA Commemorative 357 Revolver, donated by Retired Chief Ollie Taylor, was Robert Cartwright. The seven day condo stay in Maui, donated by Retired Chief Chuck Jackson and Retired Sergeant Corky Jackson, was won by George Rose. Ron Ablott won the original framed Sherman Block birthday posterthat was graciously donated by Retired Captain Barbara Block Persten. Kathy Braman won the designer watch donated by retired member Toby Heldreth.

Another reason for the success of the Roundup is the support that it receives from groups affiliated with our Department. Their monetary and information contribution to the Roundup cannot go unmentioned. Sheriff’s Relief Association, ALADS, PPOA, POPACU, AMVETS all contribute to the Roundup and the Retirees. LACERA’s Out Reach Program was also again in attendance providing valuable information on retirement issues and health insurance issues and problems.

So I guess you could say that the Roundup is more than just a social gathering. It is a place to commiserate, learn, laugh, joke and even shed a few tears over partners and friends who have since departed but are not forgotten. A time for renewal and bonding, for putting aside things from the past and realize that this is the only ticket we have for this train and you’ve got to make the most of it before the ride ends.

For those of you who did not make it this year, the 13th annual Roundup will be held from April 1, 2012 through April 4, 2012 at the Riverside Resort and Casino in Laughlin, NV. Hope to see you there.

PS: If anyone sees the Yugo, please let me know.

LASD Roundup 2011