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 Fallen Officer Fund history,
accomplishments
By Mike McGregor
ASSIST FALLEN OFFICER FUND CHAIRMAN
In November of 2003 Officer Osalda Vera was killed while on duty and left in a parking lot for several hours until police were called. After several delays Officer Vera’s funeral was held. After investigation it was determined that the delays were related to the lack of available funds to bury Officer Vera. Steps were taken to support the family and take care of their immediate needs by ASSIST (regionally and statewide). During later discussions on the tragedy it was proposed by Dave Parker and decided by the board of ASSIST to start the Fallen Officer Fund. The ASSIST board voted that FOF benefits would be available to any legally licensed and working officer killed in the line of duty. ASSIST further voted and agreed that that the fund would be used regardless of the individual’s or their employer’s membership in ASSIST.
Fundraising efforts were then begun so that the FOF would be able to help when an officer fell and not be dependent on contributions from ASSIST member companies. In the beginning individual companies and their employees supported us with contributions. Some officers elect to give weekly amounts from their paychecks which their employers forward to ASSIST each month. Each convention from that point contributed part of the money they raised from hosting the convention to the fund. At the last
Convention in El Paso the El Paso Convention Committee voted to and gave 10,000 to the FOF . The Gulf Coast Chapter (Houston) started a tradition in 2004 and every year in the spring has put on their annual Fallen Officer Barbeque donating the proceeds to the fund. These efforts have made the Gulf Coast Region unique in their continuous support of the FOF. May 3 was this years event and once again it was success but more than that to see the support from the Gulf Coast Chapter and the community was truly amazing. ASSIST is currently appealing a decision by the IRS stating that the purpose of the FOF is to narrow to receive status as a charity and be able to receive tax deductible donations. This status would make the Fund more attractive to corporate sponsorship and deductions.
In the Spring of 2005 I had the honor of being made the Chairman of the FOF. The Fund rather than being just a visible presence during the funeral to honor and pay respect to the sacrifice of the officer goes further. The fund seeks to support the families of the fallen officer on an emotional and financial level after the events when they need support the most and are attempting to recover from the shock and trauma of having their loved one taken away.
To date many supposed security guard’s deaths are reported in the press but our investigations have found they were not licensed or legally working at the time of the event. The current roll of security officers who have fallen in Texas that the fund has been able to verify and respond to help is as follows:
11/10/2005, DWIGHT PEAK
STATEWIDE PATROL
Shot to death apprehending a man with a gun threatening persons in the San Antonio Greyhound bus terminal. Fund representatives attended the funeral and assisted the family with 5,000 dollars to tide them over until the payment of various insurance policies.
1/12/07, WILLIAM BUCHANNAN
AMERITEX SECURITY
Struck by a hit and run driver as he was leaving his post. The family was pledged $1,000 to help cover expenses in returning him to Alabama for burial.
1/21/07, LUIS MANCILLAS
LAKE CITY PATROL
Shot to death intervening in an argument between two individuals at a sport club bar. Fund representatives paid honors at this funeral but after initial contact with the family was unable to reach or locate them again.
2/17/07, ADAN SANCHEZ
METRO SECURITY PATROL
Shot to death intervening in a dispute between two individuals at a Dallas Club. ASSIST was never able to reach the family or his employer to offer assistance.
1/1/08, CRUZ VITE
MIKE GARCIA MERCHANT SECURITY
Died of injuries sustained while intervening in a physical altercation at the Paso Del Norte border crossing. ASSIST mounted a continuous honor guard during the viewing and the funeral. The inclusion of more than 28 marked security vehicles in Vite’s funeral procession. Graveside services were attended by more than 150 uniformed security and law enforcement personnel. ASSIST supported the family emotionally and paid all of the families expenses for January and February ($4,200) until insurance policies and other income streams left the family financially stable.
As violence continues to escalate and more officer’s are forced to offer their lives in the performance of their duties with your help and support the FOF will be there to help the families honor and cherish the sacrifice of their loved ones. The fund wants officers to know that should you give your life in protecting those you serve the FOF will be there to help your families and remember your sacrifice.
We encourage companies who suffer the loss of an officer in the line of duty to contact the FOF immediately for assistance and financial support for the officer’s family. We encourage all Security Firms and their employees in the state of Texas to contribute to the FOF through payroll deduction or when they can.
The FOF can be reached at fallenofficer@assisttexas.org or by calling me at 214-729-0667.
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Donations to the Fallen Officer Fund can be made online (click
here) or by mailing them to:
ASSIST Fallen Officers Fund, 3300 Bee Caves Road Suite 650-119, Austin, TX
78746. For additional information click here or contact Mike McGregor, Chairman of the Fallen Officer Fund, at (214)
729-0667, or e-mail him at fallenofficer@assisttexas.org. |
Click here to download the Employee
Deduction Application (PDF)
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