By Joyce Hubler
Detective (ret.)
The Foundation of Retired Police Officers was founded in 2016 by retired and current Phoenix Police officers as well as concerned citizens. The Foundation was created because it was recognized that officers who have retired with moderate pensions will, over time, feel the financial ravages caused by increases in cost of living and health care, including the price of medicines and food. Due to hospitalizations or ill health, many senior officers find themselves alone, with no place to turn when they need help unexpectedly. This is when the Foundation of Retired Police Officers steps in and shows respect and love by offering assistance to those who once walked the thin blue line with pride and honor.
Organizations that have assisted the Foundation of Retired Police Officers are: Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA), Phoenix Police Sergeants and Lieutenants Association (PPSLA), Dubina Brewing Co. (Jan Dubina), Phoenix Police Museum and Ameriprise Financial (Steve Binder).
The Foundation’s Board of Directors are:
- Stan Hoover, Executive Director
- Joyce Hubler, Executive Director
- Chuck Boyd, Executive Board
- Becky Rice, Executive Board
- Mike Abbate, Board of Directors
- Joe Clure, Board of Directors
- Vincent Cole, Board of Directors
- James Riley, Board of Directors
- Sherry Sparks, Board of Directors
- Connie Tyler, Board of Directors
- Tom Van Dorn, Board of Directors
The Advisors to the Board are:
- Dale Norris, Norris Law Firm
- Todd Ruggeri, FORPO Webmaster
- Ronda Stika, Arrowhead Tax Consultants
As an all-volunteer organization, we treasure each and every one of our volunteers. Two of these very treasured volunteers, retired Phoenix Police Department dispatchers Margaret Cassidy (widow of Ed Cassidy #307) and Ruthie Cooper (widow of Terry Cooper #2202), are tireless in their efforts to help others. They designed a beautiful wreath that was presented to the next of kin at a retiree’s memorial ceremony. The center of the wreath included an American flag with a thin blue line and the Foundation of Retired Police Officers’ motto: “In this family, no one fights alone.”
This act is only the tip of the iceberg of how these two ladies have given their time to those in need, but it is worth mentioning for all the comfort they have brought to survivors’ families.
Thanks to all who support the Foundation through tax-deductible donations and/or volunteering.
For more information on how you can get involved, please visit our website at www.foundationofretiredpoliceofficers.com.