LAPMF and the Arrue family VANniversary: Part 1

Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation (LAPMF) is a grantmaking organization that supports LAPD employees during times of great need.

Welcome to the story of a family, fandom, and the Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation. This is an epic which unfolds over the course of one year and in a series of articles, of which, this is part 1. The setting is Los Angeles; however, this tale has a universally heartwarming quality. Fasten your seatbelts for a feel-good ride with the Arrue family, and a look back at their lively twelve month itinerary, plus their one-year VANniversary festivities. It’s a VANniversary, because they have a special set of wheels.

Setting the scene for a retrospective — It’s early 2022, and comedian Jay Leno and THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW metaphorically knock on LAPD Chief Michel Moore’s door. The message is thus: Jay intends to gift a brand new, complimentary, disability-customized van for a family of the Force’s choice. Chief Moore enlists the research skills of Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation (LAPMF) and its exec director (and retired detective) Glynn Martin. Martin’s search leads to Santa Clarita-based LAPD Officer Christian Arrue, his wife Lisa, their daughter Bella and their collective need of a safe, wheelchair accessible replacement for their 10-year-old transport (i.e., their well-loved but time-worn utility vehicle). Due to Bella’s cerebral palsy, auto safety features and cabin size are top of mind. [Jay] Leno’s Garage, BraunAbility, and Chrysler embark on a…