By Daily Press staff
The Santa Monica Police Department-produced 30-minute video documentary, “Every 15 Minutes-For My Friends,” was honored with an Emmy Award in the children/youth programming category at the recently held 54th annual Los Angeles Emmy Award ceremonies. A one-hour edited version of the event, hosted by comedian Paul Rodriguez, will be aired Saturday, Aug. 10 on KCBS TV (Channel 2).
Appearing on stage to receive their statuettes were the producers — SMPD Chief James T. Butts, Jr., Lauralee Asch, of the SMPD community relations unit, and Tom Mitchell, who also wrote, directed and edited the prize-winning entry.
John Beard, Fox 11 TV anchor, who also was awarded an Emmy, narrated and appeared in the video, which depicted the tragic effects of teenage drinking and driving. Also appearing in the documentary were St. Monica High School students, their parents and teachers, Santa Monica police and fire personnel and UCLA/Santa Monica Hospital emergency room medical professionals.
The award-winning video has been airing on Santa Monica CityTV and also has been used as an educational tool for all graduating seniors at St. Monica, Santa Monica, Olympic and Crossroads high schools.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 11, 2002. Read the original PDF.