Walla Walla Police Foundation

“The board of directors was provided a copy of the form 990 with an opportunity to ask questions.”

“BY REQUEST”

“The walla walla police foundation creates partnerships to provide resources and programs that help the walla walla police department perform at the highest level of service for the citizens and businesses of walla walla. We believe that investing in community and building relationships with those we serve is the most effective means of promoting public safety.”

“Volunteers range from board members donating their time, volunteers assisting with walla walla police foundation community service projects, and volunteers assisting with the organizations golf tournament and banquet.”

“The walla walla police foundation established a community care fund to provide emergency financial assistance to community members in need. Community members in need could include victims of crimes such as domestic violence or human trafficking, or someone that just needs a handup, a hotel room for the night, or a tank of gas to get out of town to escape an abusive relationship. Wwpd officers in years past have routinely reached into their own pockets to help those in need. The foundation now provides discretionary funds to assist these community members in emergency situations. In 2024 the foundation granted a total of 4,000 to replentish the petty cash fund held and monitored at the walla walla police department to reimburse officers for approved community care expenditures. The foundation purchased items to be included in special needs boxes for community members in need. The boxes were based on age and size. They included many basic supplies such as socks, underwear, shaving supplies, personal hygiene items, tooth brushes, soap, shampoo, pillows and blankets, etc. One of our community partners provided purchase discounts and our volunteers, including many of our police officers, spent a lot of time gathering and assembling these items for distribution. Numerous other individuals and families in walla walla were assisted in times of critical need including food, clothing, transportation, shelter and other assistance during emergencies. The foundation also provides signage to the business community to help them with trespassing.”

“Law enforcement support is mission critical for the foundation. The support this year included 4,800 used to purchase night vision equipment and the training cost for its use. A comedian was engaged for a comedy night to entertain the officers and their families during the holidays. The evening included the walla walla sheriff's office and the local fire district personnel. The foundation supports and assists law enforcement families in emergency situations. A refrigerator is stocked at the police department with healthy food choices. This provides officers an option who are unable to get a healthy meal due to their schedules rather than snacks from the vending machine. The foundation supports education and training for its officers and other law enforcement personnel. During 2024 the foundation hosted a training for field officers with the city of walla walla. The foundation also spends significant time and resources to support victims of domestic violence. This included emergency support for those families working with law enforcement for their safey. Families in need were provided phone cards, food vouchers, and cameras for victim's safety.”

“The foundation supported three different projects through other exempt organizations in 2024. An 1,100 grant was made to the walla walla professional fire fighters association to sponsor a youth to their burn camp. A 500 grant was made to the walla walla special olympics for their local olympics. A 2,000 grant was made to the walla walla wrestling club. The club allows the defensive tactics program to train at their facility, and volunteer with equipment, cleaning and setup of the gracie survival tactics classes that teach officer safety skills and proficiencies.”