Gary Sinise Foundation Sets Up Rest Station for LAPD Officers Between Shifts Amidst Outbreak

Getty Images | Paul Morigi

The Gary Sinise Foundation has helped set up a rest stop for Los Angeles police officers who are unable to go home between shifts during the pandemic. The rest stop will afford officers the opportunity to rest and recharge after their newly instated 12-hour shifts before heading out again to help manage L.A.’s response to the virus.

Gary Sinise at the CBS, CW, & Showtime Summer TCA Party at Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, California, on Aug. 10, 2016 ©Getty Images | Matt Winkelmeyer

“The challenges facing our public health workers, our first responders, our military, the challenges that they and their family are facing are very, very demanding,” Sinise said in a video shared on Facebook on April 1, 2020.

“We’re going to get through this,” the actor and advocate continued, before thanking front line workers for their tireless efforts and hailing them as “heroes.”

As reported by Blue Lives Matter, after the Los Angeles Police Department set up 80 cots at the L.A. Police Academy in Elysian Park, Sinise’s foundation, in collaboration with the Los Angeles Police Foundation, stepped up to sponsor catering, a laundry facility, shoe shiners, and barbers providing free-of-charge services to all officers for 14 days.

With the additional assistance of local businesses and numerous donors, respite for Los Angeles police officers came just in the nick of time. On March 31, Sinise took to Facebook to discuss a change to the LAPD’s shift patterns in the wake of the escalating virus crisis.

Police officers escort the public during a gathering to see the U.S. Navy Hospital ship "Mercy" at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, California, on March 28, 2020. ©Getty Images | APU GOMES

“This past week, the LAPD prepared to mobilize officers and put them on A/B shifts,” Sinise explained, “12 hours on and 12 hours off. They’re also setting up 80 cots at the Police Academy at Elysian Park for officers who cannot go home because of either distance or because they have high-risk family members at home.”

“During this unprecedented time of need for our nation’s defenders,” Sinise continued, “the Gary Sinise Foundation continues to do its part by achieving its mission with your support and valued donations.”

In response to Sinise’s public post, numerous netizens came forward to thank the figurehead for his support of front line workers. “Gary is a gift to humanity,” wrote one person, while another commented, “You and your foundation always step up no matter what the need is.”

“Thanks for all you do,” wrote a self-proclaimed “top fan,” adding, “Not just now but always. You all are awesome.”

A police officer offers directions to a motorist awaiting virus testing near Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on April 7, 2020 ©Getty Images | FREDERIC J. BROWN

Providing respite to L.A.’s police officers is not the only philanthropic gesture that the Gary Sinise Foundation has made since the onset of the global pandemic. As reported by KABC, the foundation’s Emergency COVID-19 Combat Service fund has donated over 4,000 pieces of protective gear and vital sterilizing equipment to first responders across the country since early March 2020.

In addition, the foundation has also pledged to offer financial assistance to any healthcare professionals, veterans, or first responders and their families who are adversely impacted by the pandemic. Financial aid, the foundation explained, could be used to help cover the cost of groceries, utility bills, and even rent or mortgage payments.

On April 1, Sinise extended a message of solidarity on Facebook. “These are difficult, challenging times,” said the actor and advocate, “and I know we’re all doing our best to get by. I hope you all are well and safe.”

“We will get through this,” Sinise continued. “God bless you all.”