Chino Police Department SWAT team shows off for patients at LLU Children’s Hospital

The Chino Police Department SWAT Team showed a little softer side on Wednesday, March 22, during a  visit to pediatric cancer ward patients at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. SWAT team members displayed various tools and equipment for the children to see in the Children’s Hospital lobby and  took time to explain what they use them for with the patients.

One of the highlights was SWAT team members signing full-size posters of the team for the children. This was the first visit for the team to Children’s Hospital.

“We have an opportunity to bring a little excitement to the kids and bring them out of their hospital beds,” said Lt. Russ Calverly, Chino PD’s SWAT team tactical commander. “It is healthy for them and it is rewarding for us.”

After the poster signings and equipment displays, the patients got the chance to take their picture with officers in front of the SWAT team truck outside. There they also were able to see a short demonstration by Officer Rob Franks and his partner, Rico, a Dutch shepherd dog.

Along with the SWAT team, the youth group from Calvary Chapel of Chino came to visit the children. The youth group brought several children’s books for the patients and passed these out to kids at the display, as well as visiting patients upstairs on the unit.

By Preston Clarke Smith