LAPD Officers Honored for Helping Save Baby Whale

About a dozen Los Angeles police officers at the Venice Beach substation were honored Thursday for their efforts in helping to save a floundering baby whale earlier in the month.

The officers also were presented with bright yellow “Whale Rescue Team” T-shirts by a marine rescue organization.

Members of Whale Rescue Team, a nonprofit group, said the rescue of the ailing gray whale could not have happened without the help of the officers who were on the beach monitoring crowds.

Whale team members and lifeguards were struggling to move the 1,670-pound whale, now dubbed J.J., off the beach when they gestured to the officers for help. All 11 officers who work at the Venice Beach station splashed into the waves--uniforms and all--to lend a hand.

“When we were trying to stabilize the whale these officers jumped right into the water without hesitation with all of their clothes on,” said Peter Wallerstein, president of the Whale Rescue Team. “If it wasn’t for these individuals helping, that whale would have died. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.”

Officer Bill Hallett grabbed the whale’s tail and helped get her on a stretcher as the crowds cheered.

“It was a really good feeling knowing we helped J.J. survive,” Hallett said. “This is an unusual commendation . . . but to me it’s extra special. I would like this to happen every day.”

The baby whale is recovering at Sea World in San Diego, where she is gaining about a pound an hour. Police officers at Venice Beach are monitoring her condition, which is updated daily at the morning roll call. They’re also organizing a trip to visit J.J. at Sea World later in the year.

“It’s neat being involved to save something--a whale, a person, or anything,” said Sgt. Alora Axworthy, who said this is the first commendation her station has received for a marine rescue. “It’s a really warm experience and I’m really proud of our officers.”