Gaining the gratitude of the Los Angeles Police Department is a ringing endorsement for a television creator, but it's certainly no easy feat. After about 17 years of portraying the law on television, the police department decided to honor Jack Webb for all of his good work in the profession.

Webb is responsible for hit crime shows like Dragnet and Adam-12. While many shows sensationalized plots in a desperate attempt for views, Webb chose to portray the law profession in a more realistic light. Webb consulted actual police officers frequently in order to ensure that his shows remained honest.

The extra effort earned him countless admirers, many of whom actually worked in the Los Angeles Police Department. The latter chose to honor him in 1968 by gifting the director with the original 714 badge, made famous by Joe Friday of Dragnet.

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According to an article in The Cumberland News, the LAPD offered the gift as thanks to Webb for all of his hard work.

"This is only a small token of our appreciation to you, Jack, and for all the things you have done for our department dating back to when Dragnet first went on radio in 1949," said LAPD Chief Reddin. "This badge has never been issued to anyone else; the entire force feels it belongs to you."

The director was touched by the show of appreciation and was too moved for words. "For one of the very few times in my life, I'm at a loss for words to express my feelings," said Webb.