The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) Foundation and The Gratitude Project will host the Seventh Annual Hidden Heroes Black & White Gala on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at KAOS at PALMS Casino Resort, where they will recognize the outstanding contributions of the Air Support / Search & Rescue Section.
The two units, Air Support and Search & Rescue, are tasked with all search and rescue operations in Clark County, including technical mountain rescue, dive search and recovery, swift water rescue, and helicopter operations, among others. Additionally, they provide tactical support for LVMPD SWAT operations.
Nami Oneda and the nonprofit organization, The Gratitude Project, created the Hidden Heroes Black & White Gala to pay tribute to the heroes behind the badge who often go unnoticed. Oneda’s inspiration stems from the heroic acts of 1 October and the crucial role played by the investigative unit that reviewed the harrowing bodycam footage for the Criminal Investigative Report on the 1 October Mass Shooting. Oneda serves on the Foundation’s Board of Directors and is the author of the book, Dog Teams of the LVMPD K-9.
Since 2018, in partnership with The Gratitude Project, the Foundation has been honoring department sections and units that play integral roles in law enforcement but are not traditionally in the spotlight. The Gala’s “Black & White” theme is a nod to the color scheme of Metro’s squad cars.
“In recognizing the unsung heroes of law enforcement, we honor those who respond to urgent situations and remain steadfast in their commitment to public safety. It’s a privilege to celebrate the contributions of the units that provide aerial and ground assistance during a wide range of emergencies, from natural disasters to medical emergencies, locating missing persons, criminal pursuits, and ensuring swift response to crises. They do their job regardless of dangerous circumstances and often without recognition,” says Oneda.
Proceeds from the Hidden Heroes Black & White Gala will benefit the LVMPD Foundation, and its mission to support department initiatives for training, equipment and technology, and community engagement activities that build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
For ticket and sponsorship information, please visit Hidden Heroes | Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Foundation.
