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The foundation
was established for the express purpose of assisting the surviving
spouses and dependent children of law enforcement officers or
firefighters who have been killed or incapacitated in the line of duty.
This is done
as follows:
-
provide early
financial assistance insofar as that has not been available from
other sources;
-
act as
receiving agency to accept donations from interested parties
immediately following such a tragedy; and
-
provide
personal and emotional support, assistance and advocacy to help
meet, on an on-going basis, the needs of the victim officer or
firefighter, and/or surviving family members;
-
supplement
college education or vocational training.
Past
experience indicates that, immediately following a line-of-duty death or
serious injury of a law enforcement officer or firefighter, there is a
great outpouring of sympathy and assistance from the community. In too
many cases, however, within a relatively short time the surviving family
is left to cope alone with numerous emotional and financial problems.
Many
firefighters and law enforcement officers find it necessary to
supplement their income by working additional jobs. Insurance and other
government benefits only partially fill the financial void when death or
injury eliminates this additional income. Helping to satisfy existing or
transitional financial obligations is basic to making the necessary
adjustments for the family.
The Gold
Shield Foundation undertakes to help these families put their lives back
together as best they can.
The
Foundation also serves to raise awareness in the community about the
needs of such families.
99.5% of all contributions go into the program. Only 0.5% of
contributions go for operating expenses. No fees are paid to outside
consultants or companies for any purpose. The Foundation's only
expenses are incurred in regard to audit fees and production costs
associated with necessary informational materials.
No director or member of the Gold Shield
Foundation
receives any remuneration of any kind. |
