A report released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) uncovers an alarmingly high rate of Police Officers being assaulted while protecting our communities. Over the last three years, incidents of assault have increased steadily by about 400 each year, and in 2006 the incidents capped out at 59,907!
"When the statistics are released for 2007 and 2008, we can expect to see the number of reported assaults increase even more dramatically, and we need to be prepared to handle it," said Sgt. Fabian Cota, founder of the Officers Assistance Fund.
The Officers Assistance Fund has launched their new website, mesapolice.org to help raise awareness about this growing problem, and to help support the Officers all over the country who have been injured or killed in the line of duty and their families. The website offers information on three specific programs designed to help alleviate the financial strain that Officers and their families face after a work related injury. The programs include "Tip A Cop", "Operation Blue Santa", and "Wings of Hope" - all intended to get the public involved in helping to ensure the well-being of our officers and our communities. The next event benefiting the Fund is the "Wings of Hope" Celebrity Golf Tournament at Augusta Ranch Golf Club on September 13th.
"Police Officers risk their lives everyday to protect us, and the programs offered through the Officers Assistance Fund and Mesapolice.org is a way of letting them know that we are here for them if they need us," added Stacey Dillon, President of the Officers Assistance Fund.