Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Hollywood Division are sworn “to protect and to serve,” but they took the service to a new level on Nov. 15 to help a colleague suffering from cancer.

Officer Adam Barnhart was paired with server Trenton Caine during the fundraiser at the California Pizza Kitchen. Customers Jane Salins-Lopez (left) and Anna Ibbotson said they were pleased to participate in the benefit for a good cause. (photo by Edwin Folven)

At the California Pizza Kitchen in the Hollywood and Highland center, the officers took orders and served patrons to raise money for officer Mark Robinson, a seven-year veteran of the LAPD who has worked at the Hollywood Division for the past four years. California Pizza Kitchen donated 20 percent of proceeds from patrons’ bills to a fund for Robinson, raising nearly $774 on Tuesday.

“He is in the hospital. He is going through chemo and radiation,” said senior lead officer Paul Jordan. “His wife is sick and can’t work and he has two small children. That is why we are all here.”

Jordan helped organize the fundraiser with fellow Hollywood Division officers. Robinson, 41, was diagnosed with cancer approximately six months ago. Authorities held a barbecue for the officer recently and raised $7,000.

“It’s been hard on all of us,” Jordan said. “We try to sympathize and empathize with what he is going through. Helping a struggling brother or sister in need is nothing new. That’s what we do.”

Michael Palaski, general manager of California Pizza Kitchen at Hollywood and Highland said it was the first time the restaurant worked with the Hollywood Division to fulfill a specific need. He said the company has a long history of philanthropy, however, and he was pleased California Pizza Kitchen could partner with police to host the fundraiser.

“We have been trying to support the LAPD and I had a couple of contacts with the officers because we wanted to see how we could partner,” Palaski said. “I thought it would be a great way to give back to the community.”

Officer Adam Barnhart, who said he once was employed at a restaurant, joked that having previous experience was not necessary. Barnhart added that he jumped at the opportunity to help a colleague and moved swiftly on Tuesday through the restaurant taking orders, pouring drinks and delivering bread and lunch orders to customers.

“Mark is an extremely quality guy,” Barnhart said. “If we can do this little thing to ease the process on him, then I am happy to do it.”

Hollywood residents Robert and Valerie Merrill said they were pleased to see the officers serving meals for a good cause. Valerie volunteered at the Hollywood Division for 25 years. Robert added that he also supports the LAPD.

“I think it’s a great idea,” he said. “Some of the money going toward his medical costs and helping the family is great.”

Jordan said donations for Robinson are still being accepted. Anyone seeking information is asked to call the Hollywood Division’s Community Relations Office at (213)871-4068, or email 32285@lapd.lacity.org.