LAPD Chief Recognizes Child Safety Advocate

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — LAPD Chief Charlie Beck was among those on hand Tuesday to honor a Southland child safety advocate for her work in the community.

Adrienne Mack, director of the Preparing Parents Foundation, was publicly recognized for her efforts in helping to increase awareness and educate parents on the importance of proper child seat installation.

In early 2010, Mack joined efforts with the LAPD South Traffic Division officers on the first of her parenting workshops on "Car Seat Safety", which continue to be provided to the public free of charge.

In addition to receiving vital information, families who participate in the workshop also receive a brand new car seat free of charge.

Car crashes are now the number one killer of children ages between one and 12 years old, according to LAPD Officer Bridgette Peterson.

When Mack discovered in May 2010 that police stations were not equipped with infant supplies for when police officers are required to take infants into their custody - and thus requiring officers to purchase supplies at their own expense in order to properly care for the infants - she set out to find a solution.

Mack eventually developed the "Baby Station" Temporary Diaper Bag Program, which created diaper bags complete with all the supplies an infant might need while in the temporary custody of the police officers.

Chief Beck said that was the beginning of a great relationship with the LAPD.

"The success of the Los Angeles Police Department is largely due to members of the public who commit their time and energy to their communities," said Beck. "Adrienne Mack is truly one of those special individuals who have committed herself to make our community a better place".

Mack, however, said her inspiration is all about keeping children safe.

"The recognition is not about me," Mack said. "I am the voice for the little ones...I have to do what I do because they don't have a voice."