The Wilshire Rotary celebrated the career of LAPD Officer Joe Pelayo who served in the Olympic Division as the Senior Lead Officer for the neighborhood for years. Pelayo is retiring at the end of the month after nearly three decades on the force.
The celebration was organized by Rotarian Wendy Clifford who got to know Pelayo through the philanthropic work of the Rotary’s Christmas Tree lot that also supported LAPD’s holiday gift-giving to needy families.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Joe Pelayo for the past 12 years,” said Clifford. “When I learned he was retiring, I thought we have to honor this person, he’s a rock star in the neighborhood!”
Clifford said Larry Guzin, President of the Windsor Square Association described Pelayo as very proactive and responsive to the community bringing care and professionalism to his work. We can second that as Officer Pelayo has been extremely responsive to the Buzz over the years helping us accurately report on local crime. We deeply appreciate his quick response to our inquires.
Charles D’Atri, President of the Larchmont Village Neighborhood Association told Clifford he most appreciated Pelayo’s wicked sense of humor and shared this story:
“Once Pelayo came to a neighborhood meeting with a ton of stuff – ipads, computers, iPhones, backpacks, handbags, etc. He laid them on the table and said, “This is what happens when you don’t lock your cars!”
Clifford recalled how Pelayo assisted her family on Halloween one year after teens had started causing a ruckus. “We get over 2,000 trick-or-treaters on our street. The next year, I called Joe and he helped us out with officers who stayed on the block all night and we have never had a problem since,” said Clifford.
Nona Friedman, writer of the Larchmont Chronicle’s police blotter, told Clifford that “Joe is a gem in our community.”
“You made a huge difference in our community, your smile is infectious. Thank you so much for everything you have done,” said Clifford. She wished him well in his retirement, hoping he will get to spend more time with his twelve-year-old son.
Pelayo was so moved by the presentation that when it was his turn to speak, he simply said, “Thank you.”
Joe IS a GEM! He is a gentleman and a fantastic SLO. I lived in the Wilton Historic District for three decades and Joe came to all of the Ridgewood-Wilton Neighborhood Association Annual Meetings. He always gave great advice to those assembled and was easy to reach when you needed him. He will be missed!! Thanks for your service, Joe!!