Page 39 - September Issue

Third Annual Coptoberfest Sept. 19 Teamster City 1645 West Jackson, Chicago For tickets, contact Rick at 773-551-5074
Ready...Set...Coptoberfest
Chicago police officers and officers from surround- ing departments joined forces in 2010 to create The Brotherhood for the Fallen, a volunteer-based organization dedicated to supporting the families of officers killed in the line of duty across the nation. Members honor their brothers in blue across the U.S. by participating in the funeral services and pro- viding a financial donation to the families of the fallen police officer and by offering support to the police department and the
community affected by the tragic loss. “These guys gave the ultimate sacrifice and we should try to help sup-
port the families they leave behind,” said Lodge 7 Member Rick Caballero, president of the Brotherhood for the Fallen.
With an average of 25 to 30 funerals a year, fundraisers are more important than ever.
“It adds up and goes quickly,” Caballero stated about the funds raised. “So our goal is always to raise more money for the families.”
On Sept. 19, Brotherhood for the Fallen will team up with the Chicago Police Memorial Fund to host the Third Annual Coptoberfest at Teamster City in Chicago, one of the largest fundraising events of the year.
The outdoor festival includes live entertainment headlined by the Chicago Police Department’s Pipes and Drums and food and drinks. The organization expects the event to be bigger than last years, surpassing the 400 people in attendance.
FOP Family Auxiliary ensures officers ‘never walk alone’
Angie Haynes, the wife of a Chicago Police Officer, created Chicago FOP’s Family Auxiliary in May 1991 to supplement the Lodge in its support for officers and their family members.
“When I created this auxiliary I didn’t know too much about it. I just did it to help families of police offi- cers in need,” explained Haynes. “Your whole life changes when (your spouse) becomes a law enforcement officer. At first they’re working midnights and can’t take holidays off. Having a group like this helps and talking to people in the same position helps.”
The Auxiliary’s motto – “Never let them walk alone” – characterizes the mission of the group, which is to provide support for officers and their families.
Haynes’ husband has since retired from the Chicago Police Depart- ment, but she continues to run the organization.
The Family Auxiliary is made up of family members of both active and retired FOP members. Membership includes spouses, parents, grand- parents, siblings, extended family and children over the age of 18.
Joining the organization is not only an opportunity to support your loved ones and friends in the department, but also to help the children of the law enforcement officers.
Each year, the Auxiliary throws a “Lunch with Santa” at FOP Hall for the children of law enforcement officers whose parents are not able to take off from work. Every child receives a goodie bag and a raffle ticket to win a toy, and the CPD’s Mounted Patrol Unit also pays a visit providing a photo opportunity that both parents and kids can enjoy.
Chicago Police Officer Juan Gali, Chicago Police Officer Chris Rothwell and Illinois Police Office Bob Christensen attend the funeral service of Police Officer Sean Michael Bolton of the Memphis Police Department in Ten- nessee in August 2015.
“It’s nice to see two not-for profits sup- porting each other and we’re sharing the proceeds to help officers around the country and in Chicago,” confirmed Caballero. “It’s something that brings these guys together, instead of funerals and wakes, to get to know each other, enjoy the night and raise more money for families across the country.”
In August, the Brotherhood sent at least two members to four police officer funerals in Tennessee, California and Nevada; covered the cost of flights and accommodations and provided a mone- tary amount to the officer’s family.
To contribute or join the Brotherhood for the Fallen, visit www.broth- erhoodforthefallen.org.
Chicago Police Memorial Foundation announces new partnership
For nearly a decade, the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation (CPMF) has pro- vided support and financial assistance to fallen and severe- ly injured Chicago police offi- cers. To grow such efforts, the foundation has partnered with the Buoniconti Fund, which was established in 1992 to assist The Miami Project, the world’s most comprehensive spinal cord injury research center.
Jim Callahan, a retired Master Sergeant from the Illi- nois State Police and board member for the Buoniconti Fund approached the CPMF with the idea to join forces, as many wounded officers deal with spinal cord injuries.
The two organizations’ first joint venture, the Inaugural Golf Out- ing on Oct. 5 at the Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, will raise aware- ness and funding for CPMF’s “Get Behind the Vest” initiative and finding a cure for Paralysis.
Former Chicago Police Officer Jim Mullen was shot in the line of duty 19 years ago and left paralyzed. Mullen, who works closely with the CPMF and continues to donate to the organization that was a lifeline, will be the event’s honorary chairman.
Chicago Police Memorial Foundation Inaugural Golf Outing Oct. 5 Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, Lemont 11 a.m. Cost: $150 per golfer $600 per foursome To register, visit www.CPDmemorial.org
FOP Family Auxiliary Lunch with Santa
December 5 • 12 p.m. • Cost: $6 FOP Hall - 1412 West Washington Boulevard # 3, Chicago
Join the Family Auxiliary today - Mail your $25 annual dues to:
Marianne Gillaspie - Financial Secretary/ FOP Chicago Lodge 7 Family Auxiliary 5100 West 96th Street, #314, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 For more info, logon to www.chicagofop.org/resources/family-auxillary/
CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ SEPTEMBER 2015 39