The ADL conferred the coveted “Helene & Joseph Sherwood Prize for Combating Hate” to five individuals and two law enforcement units at an awards ceremony on February 5 at the Skirball Cultural Center.

This was the first year that this prestigious prize was extended to neighboring ADL regions and resulted in honors to law enforcement in Orange County and Ventura County in addition to Los Angeles County.


The Sherwood Prize recognizes law enforcement personnel who are so committed to their work that they make a significant difference in their communities and serve as role models for their departments.  The ADL honored Sgt. Anthony Campbell, LA County Sheriff’s Department for his work aimed at reducing racial intolerance; Lt. Clay Epperson, Costa Mesa Police Department and Deputy Probation Officer Lowell Smith of the Orange County Department of Probations, for their efforts to suppress the activities of racist gangs in Orange County; and Officer Omar Adham of the Anaheim Police Department and Officer Steve LaFond (posthumously), Garden Grove Police Department, for forging strong relationships between the Muslim community and law enforcement agencies throughout Orange County.

The United States Attorney’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were honored for the investigation and prosecution of the Aryan Brotherhood, a violent white supremacist gang inside and outside prisons.  The Ventura Police Department Special Enforcement Team was honored for actively and aggressively pursuing skinhead gangs in Ventura County.