Heather Topliff of the Palm Springs Police Department will be honored with an award plaque at the 20^th Annual Memorial Day Awards Luncheon.

The luncheon will be held on Memorial Day Monday May 25, 2026 from 12 Noon to 2:00 PM. The event will be held at Cimarron Golf Resort, 67603 30th Avenue in Cathedral City. The event is sponsored by American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 66 and Veterans For Peace (VFP).

“Heather Topliff is a Police Services Manager with 25 years of experience in public safety communications at the Palm Springs Police Department. She began her career as a Dispatcher in 2001 and advanced through the ranks as a Dispatch Trainer in 2007 and Dispatch Supervisor in 2015, before being promoted to her current Police Services Manager role in 2024, where she oversees the department’s Dispatch and Records Divisions.

Throughout her career, Heather has contributed to enhancing emergency response operations, mentoring, and training dispatch personnel, and supporting the implementation of efficient communication systems. In her current role, she provides leadership across both communications and records functions, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and seamless information flow within the department. Her professional strengths include leadership, crisis management, team development, and effective communication in high-pressure environments.

Outside of her professional role, Heather is passionate about mentoring others in the field of public safety and enjoys spending time with her adult children and husband, Kelly.”

There will be awards presented to other community leaders including Rep. Raul Ruiz who is receiving the Dr. Paul Farmer Memorial Award for Outstanding Humanitarian Service. Dr. Ruiz worked with late Dr. Farmer to provide life-saving medical care to patients in Haiti. Dr. Farmer established Partners in Health and taught at Harvard Medical School. Rep. Ruiz describes Dr. Farmer as his mentor. Dr. Farmer was a close class mate of Tom Swann Hernandez in Brooksville, Florida. Dr. Farmer was important to convert Tom to the Roman Catholic Church.

Nicole Schapiro who is a Holocaust Survivor will also be honored. Nicole was born in Budapest, Hungary and hid from the NAZI’S. She later was oppressed by the former Soviet Union.

Tickets for the luncheon are $33. There is a sliding scale for low income. Space is limited.

Note: This is an American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 66 press release and event. For tickets or more information please contact Tom Swann Hernandez Founder and Commander of  AMVETS at tomswannhernandez@earthlink.net or call (760) 324-5670.