Pasadena Police Department Receives Highest Honors at FosterAll Gala

The Pasadena Police Department received the prestigious Guardian Angel Award at this year’s FosterAll gala, recognizing the department’s exceptional service during its Eaton Fire emergency response. The award honors individuals and organizations that go ‘above and beyond’ to protect and support families, kids and communities.

Longtime FosterAll supporters, the Ho Family, presented the award to acknowledge the department’s swift and compassionate response on January 7.

On that fateful night and the ensuing days, the Pasadena Police Department responded immediately, saving hundreds by acting swiftly, selflessly, and with great compassion during the fire emergency.

“Their courage and dedication exemplify what it means to be a true guardian angel in our community,” according to the award presentation.

Chief Gene Harris along with command staff accepted the acknowledgement on behalf of the entire department and City of Pasadena at the event.

FosterAll is a nonprofit organization that specializes in helping families select the agency that is best suited for them and provides ongoing personal support throughout their foster/adopt experience. The organization operates among the overwhelming number of foster family agencies providing foster parent approval and child placements throughout Los Angeles County.

Each year, FosterAll presents the Guardian Angel Award to recognize exceptional contributions to the well-being of children, families, and communities involved in foster care and adoption. The award criteria include outstanding advocacy, community impact, and leadership and compassion in improving the lives of children and families.

The department’s recognition highlights the broader community impact of first responders beyond their traditional duties. The award acknowledges how the department’s actions during the emergency exemplified the guardian angel role that extends to protecting vulnerable populations and supporting families in crisis.