In 2024 we have been horrifically reminded of the life-threatening challenges our law enforcement professionals face on a daily basis. On May 1st, four officers were killed in Charlotte while trying to serve a warrant. On July 1st a CMPD officer died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Nationwide, in the first half of this year 71 law enforcement professionals have lost their lives in the line of duty, a 15% increase for the same period last year.

These are extreme examples of the very real danger that the people policing our streets and neighborhoods may have to deal with themselves. The average police officer may experience three or more traumatic events (i.e. – fatal accidents, murders, suicides, and life-threatening incidents against themselves or others) every six months of service and of those officers, 35% will develop symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD.

It takes special training for officers and support staff to be prepared when these events happen and specialized services to facilitate officer’s recovery from the trauma. Unfortunately, these programs can be expensive and are often not funded by the department’s budget. Salisbury Police Foundation (SPF) is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization whose mission is to support members of the Salisbury Police Department in areas of health and wellness, and recognizing the community’s indebtedness to their service that is outside of the city-funded budget. Our wholly volunteer board of directors is reaching out to you to support our men and women in blue.

We are seeking community wide help from private citizens, invested businesses, and other community-minded organizations to join with SPF by supporting our 3rd annual fundraising luncheon to be held at noon on Wednesday, September 18th, at the Country Club of Salisbury. Our keynote speaker this year is David Whisenant, former Salisbury bureau correspondent for WBTV News in Charlotte.

The fundraiser includes a Silent Art Auction with works donated by the Carolina Artists Guild.

You will notice that certain sponsorship levels include advertising for your support with our media partner and during the event. Some levels afford you and your team table slots so that you can come enjoy the luncheon and its program. Because of this I am asking you to notify us of your intentions to sponsor by Friday, September 6th.

Thank you and with warm regards,

John Struzick
Salisbury Police Foundation, President