Salem Police Foundation Annual Breakfast Will Be Held on February 22

The Salem Police Foundation is a non-profit organization that has helped the Salem Police Department and the Salem community.

Founded in 2010 by David Withnell and other business leaders, the organization was established to help with any funding gaps within the department. They’ve helped with employee retention and development, service enhancements, community outreach and awareness, assistance to department members and their families, and special projects. 

“I heard about the organization in 2017 and watched what they were doing and the kind of service and care they were providing for the police department,” Board President Lori Heraldsen said . “I wanted to give back and was raised in a family that had a deep respect for military and the police department.”

The Salem Police Foundation will host their annual Breakfast with the Chief on Thursday, February 22 at 7:30 a.m. at the Salem Convention Center. People can RSVP online at salempolicefoundation.org. 

The breakfast is their biggest fundraiser of the year and allows the community to get to know the police department, staff, and supporters. 

“At that fundraiser, we’ll hear from the Police Chief about the current need within the department,” Heraldsen said. “I’ll also do a year in review of what donations we’ve had through the foundation in the last year. We’ll also review next year’s goal and ask what  we’re able to do through the department and the community.”

The breakfast is free, but those attending are encouraged to provide a donation to support the nonprofit. 

“It’s for the community just as much as it’s for the department,” Heraldsen said.

The Salem Police Foundation on average has raised $80,000 per year at the event to help in a variety of ways within the department. Last year the big ask was for all the officers to have ceramic in their bulletproof vests. 

“All of the funds donated go directly to the general fund or if someone wants to donate to a specific fund, which helps meet the needs of the department,” Heraldsen said. “We saw the need that the foundation could do to support the community. They can stay on scene longer because they’ll be protected. Everyone that wanted one, got one.”

The all-volunteer board meets once a month and also helps put on a toy drive and other community events with the police department throughout the year.   

“Our mission statement is enhancing public safety by supporting the department, its members, and the community,” Heraldsen said. “Law enforcement these days are working in some of the toughest conditions so we’re super grateful for our supportive community.”