3rd Annual Police and Fire Appreciation Luncheon in Palm Springs

The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians will honor police and firefighters today.

The annual Palm Springs Police and Fire Appreciation Luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Palm Springs Convention Center, with CBS Local 2’s Patrick Evans serving as host.

The achievements of the Palm Springs police and fire departments will be highlighted, and Mayor Steve Pougnet will be presented with the third Richard M. Milanovich Community Leadership Award.

“Richard led the Agua Caliente for 28 years and was a huge supporter of public safety in our city,” Pougnet said. “I am incredibly proud to follow in his footsteps recognizing the important role our public safety officers play.”

Milanovich, who was chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, died in March 2012. The first namesake award was given to philanthropist and former television station owner James Houston at the appreciation luncheon in 2012, and local restaurant owner and philanthropist Harold Matzner was last year’s recipient.

Police Chief Al Franz and fire Chief John Allen will give presentations at today’s luncheon.

Tickets to the luncheon are $40 per person. For information, call (760) 325-1577 or go to www.pschamber.org.