A certificate of appreciation was given to Rusty Redican. (Left to right) Sharon Kilbride, Redican, Michael Amster and Sue Kohl.
A special celebration luncheon was held at Kay’s on September 25, to laud former beach detail Head Officer John E. Redican III, “Rusty.”
He officially retired from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on September 19, after 22 years of service. Before he left for his now permanent residence in North Carolina, many community members wanted to commend him for his dedication to Pacific Palisades.
Councilmember Traci Park’s field deputy Michael Amster presented Rusty with a certificate from the City in appreciation for what he had done for the community.
Former Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homeless President Sharon Kilbride worked closely with Rusty for six years. “Thank you, Rusty, for your service in the Palisades protecting our community,” Kilbride said. “Thank you for your compassionate demeanor, working alongside the PPTFH and our unhoused population.”
Office Adam Margin, who now heads the detail said, “Thank you for choosing me to come on all those years ago, you didn’t have to pick me, but you took a chance.”
Margin added, “I try to emulate everything you’re shown me. I will try to do the best so that your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.”
President of the Pacific Palisades Community Council Sue Kohl said, “I’m not sure our PPTFH would be as successful as it is today if it weren’t for the Herculean efforts of Officer Rusty Redican.
“Rusty put his entire heart and soul into it every day and worked both ‘on’ and ‘off’ hours, engaging constantly with the Community Council,” Kohl said. “He showed incredible compassion and empathy toward the unhoused individuals whom he encountered and tried to communicate to them that while there were rules that dictated where they were allowed to be, there was a huge Palisades community who cared about them and wanted the best for them.
“Rusty gave his cell phone number to many concerned residents and always answered their calls,” Kohl said. “He is truly one in a million, and we will continue to miss his efforts and his handsome, smiling face.”
At the lunch, Redican recounted how the beach detail began. Then, West L.A. Captain Tina Nieto, after several fires in this area, asked him to do a quick reconnaissance of this area and report back to her about the steps that could be taken.
“In 2016, I was with Maryam Zar, and saw a fire on the hill and called it in,” Redican said, noting it helped him work out what needed to be done.
“When I reported back to Nieto, I told her that 12 officers were needed to solidify resources with the Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness.”
The Captain told him, “I’ll give you a partner and I’ll try it out.” That was the start of a successful operation between volunteers and LAPD.
Redican explained at the event on Wednesday that because of a family situation and working with his daughter, he had a better understanding of what was needed with the homeless and those suffering addiction.
“These are human beings were dealing with,” he said. “I always looked at each situation as if I was dealing with someone’s daughter, someone’s son, a mom or dad.”
He explained that empathy was needed so that the homeless knew he, an officer, was there to help, not arrest.
“It started to reap benefits,” he said, because “the homelessness knew he was talking with them and not at them.”
Another factor that made a difference, Redican said was “Being available was what led to the success from my contribution.”
He also praised Palisades residents. “The people saw a problem that was not getting attention from the City and they put their money and their efforts where their mouths are – they put together a taskforce.
“It is one of the most gratifying teams to be part of,” Redican said. “We did it together. We did some great things.”
LAPD officer Rusty Redican took the lead in making sure the mountain lion was alive and safely transported to a new area.
He was remarkable, and as I told him just last week, he will go down as a Palisades legend — his impact told through Palisades folklore. Thank you, Rusty! Your touch is inimitable and your impact unparalleled.
Community Policing at its very best.