Every day the men and women of the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station show up for this community without much fanfare. They work the streets, answer the calls, and do the job quietly. Most of us never get the chance to say thank you. Wednesday is one of those chances.
Deputy Brian Sneed spent more than a decade doing exactly that before a rafting accident in El Salvador cut his life short on Feb. 13. He was 37. Most WEHOonline readers know his story by now. His colleagues want to make sure his family is taken care of.
Deputies who worked alongside Sneed showed up in force last week at Universal Studios, filling tables and lining up for plates at a fundraiser barbecue that drew a strong crowd — and anyone who wants to show up for his family still has a chance. A second barbecue benefiting Sneed’s loved ones takes place Wednesday, March 18, at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station, and the public is welcome. Wednesday’s event takes place in the front parking lot on San Vicente Boulevard starting at noon. It’s open to the public until the food runs out. Plates are $15 and include carne asada tacos, rice and beans.
Last week’s barbecue at Universal’s Sub-Station brought together deputies, department leadership and community members. Captain Fanny Lapkin attended alongside Sneed’s father, Danny, who is also an LASD deputy. ALADS provided financial support. Universal handled the grilling, setup and hosting.
Sneed drowned in a rafting accident in El Salvador on Feb. 13 while on vacation with his family, WEHOonline has learned. A funeral service was held March 7 at Calvary Chapel Downey, followed by burial at Rose Hills Memorial Park. Sheriff Robert Luna called him “a model deputy” who was disciplined, professional, and strove to treat people with dignity. Sgt. Omar Luevano of the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station told WEHOonline it was a great celebration of life. “He will be missed by West Hollywood station and community,” Luevano said.
Sneed is survived by his wife, his father Danny and brother Shaun — both LASD deputies — and other family members.
Inside the West Hollywood Station there’s a memorial wall with portraits of the deputies who gave everything for this community. Detective Amber Joy Leist. Deputy Soo H. Kim. Deputy Darden Hollis. Brian Sneed’s name will join theirs. The wall stays up so nobody forgets. Wednesday is a chance to make sure his family doesn’t feel forgotten either.
Come out, grab a plate, and do something good for someone who did a lot of good for this community. Fifteen dollars. Noon. San Vicente Boulevard. Until they sell out.
The ALADS C.A.R.E.S. Foundation is also accepting donations through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25. Every dollar goes directly to his family. Donations can be made at donorbox.org/support-the-family-of-deputy-brian-sneed. The tax ID is 45-3275658.
This a tragedy, for certain.
Curious, though:. The sheriff’s office/union take care of the widow, He had insurance. His father works for the LASD, as does his brother. Even though he wasn’t killed in the line of duty, surely his family has money coming to them. His immediate family seems to exist of his wife. no children.
How much was raised at the Universal station. What is the money for?