Mural honors Irvine Police Department’s 40th anniversary

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Irvine Police Department, the city unveiled a mural created by student artists highlighting the history and evolution of the law enforcement agency from 1975 to the present.

Eight students from Irvine high schools were selected by their teachers to contribute colored-marker drawings, prose and slogans on the 5- by 7-foot canvas. The mural was unveiled by Chief of Police David Maggard at the Irvine City Council meeting on Tuesday and will be permanently displayed inside police headquarters.

Contributing student artists on the project were Connie Chang of University High, Emma Cummings of Creekside, Elijah Gatlin of Irvine High, Isis Huang of Beckman, Hyojin Im of Crean Lutheran, Jadie Moon of Northwood, Lucy Reinhardt of Tarbut V’torah and Sophia Silane of Woodbridge High.

The mural depicts male and female officers in different Irvine uniforms through the years, some of the evolving badge and patch designs, the traditional color guard carrying flags, K-9 and explorer units, squad cars and a police motorcycle.

The department images are mingled with colorful pictures of familiar Irvine symbols, including oranges and the Great Park balloon, all centered around a drawing of the new City Hall building where the police department is located.

The city of Irvine was incorporated in 1971 but did not have its own police force until 1975. Prior to that, public safety was in the hands of the Orange County Sheriff and the Costa Mesa Police departments. The Irvine Police Department celebrates its 40th anniversary on July 1.