PPOA Executive Director
wquint@ppoa.com
I want to start my message by acknowledging and saluting the Riverside Sheriffs’ Association (RSA) for their extraordinary leadership as they have faced the heartbreaking mission of honoring two of their fallen heroes, Deputy Isaiah Cordero, 32, EOW: 12/29/22, and Deputy Darnell Calhoun, 30, EOW: 1/13/23. In a two-week period, the RSA has faced the unthinkable, and yet in each tragedy, they have responded with a determined and unwavering commitment to their organization’s motto of “Serving Those Who Serve.”
I would be remiss if I didn’t also recognize Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco for his exemplary leadership during both horrific incidents. Sheriff Bianco and Deputy Cordero’s family have called for the resignation of San Bernardino Superior Court Judge Cara D. Hutson for allowing the murder suspect (deceased) back on the streets despite a third-strike conviction in November 2021.
I know the RSA, as well as other police and sheriff’s associations throughout California, does not seek accolades for the incredible contributions and usage of resources they make when one of their members makes the ultimate sacrifice. But to be certain, the RSA, led by President Bill Young since December 2017, deserves immeasurable gratitude from the residents of Riverside County, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and the law enforcement community throughout California for never forgetting their fallen heroes and their families left behind.
The Riverside County Deputy Sheriff Relief Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity created by the RSA to assist law enforcement families facing life-changing crises such as sickness, injury, distress and death. Per the RSA: “We wish we were never needed, but all too often we are. At the time of a deputy’s distress, we’re honored to be of help and comfort to them and their families.”
Please consider donating:
• helpahero.com/campaign/deputy-isaiah-cordero
• helpahero.com/campaign/deputy-darnell-calhoun
PPOA is home to the Star & Shield Foundation, which provides support (financial and otherwise) to families of fallen officers and PPOA members in need. In fact, our Foundation makes it a point to support the family of every California peace officer killed in the line of duty. PPOA representatives also tow the Foundation’s barbecue trailer to events throughout Los Angeles County in order to help raise funds for families of PPOA members needing assistance. The Star & Shield Foundation has proudly raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through individual donations and fundraising events. Your gift is tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. The Star & Shield Foundation (starandshieldfoundation.org) is a 501(c)(3) organization. Tax ID #95-4752410.
The Star & Shield Board of Directors meets every month to review all requests as well as to review fundraising events. The number one fundraising event for the Foundation is the annual PPOA Peace Officers Memorial Golf Tournament. This year, the 15th annual tournament will be held on Monday, June 5, at Friendly Hills Country Club in Whittier. This annual Memorial Golf Tournament is a premier golfing experience and sells out every year.
Another fundraising event has been the annual Heroes Ride, which honors fallen officers and military veterans. The eighth annual Heroes Ride was held on Sunday, March 27, 2022. This most worthy event had more than 400 motorcyclists as well as supporters and volunteers. The escorted motorcycle ride makes this event a sell-out every year.
Unfortunately, for the last couple of years, the Heroes Ride has desperately needed corporate/title sponsors, as the rider/passenger entry fees have not come remotely close to covering the expenses of this fundraising event. The Star & Shield Board of Directors recommended to the PPOA Board of Directors that the Heroes Ride be put on hold in 2023 as PPOA searches for sponsors, which will hopefully result in positive cash flow for the Star & Shield Foundation.
This decision was not easy, but fiduciarily had to be made. PPOA gladly welcomes any corporate/title sponsor leads that we can follow up on for our Heroes Ride. Please do not hesitate to call PPOA or email us at info@ppoa.com. For those of you who have participated in the motorcycle ride, know that it is our utmost goal to bring back the ninth annual Heroes Ride in 2024.