WPD Patch Sales Benefit First Responders Children’s Foundation

WARWICK, RI — Last year, 146 officers were killed in the line of duty, sacrifices honored each year during Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week on May 15, observed as Warwick officers wear the Law Enforcement Memorial patch, sales of which benefit the First Responders Children’s Foundation.

Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week pay tribute to the local, state, and federal peace officers who have died, or who have been disabled, in the line of duty. This year marks the second that WPD has celebrated the day with their Awareness Patch Program, according to Community Services Division Cpt. Michael Lima.

Law Enforcement Memorial patches are available for sale through the WPD online store. The patches are sold for $12 and all proceeds go to the First Responder Children’s Foundation. The First Responders Children’s Foundation provides financial support to both children who have lost a parent in the line of duty as well as families enduring significant financial hardships due to tragic circumstances.  First Responders Children’s Foundation also supports, promotes, and facilitates educational activities and programs created and operated by law enforcement and firefighting organizations whose purpose is to benefit children or the community at large, Lima said.

The First Responders Children’s Foundation has also  established the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund which awards grants to first responders experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. First responders that are in financial need and that have been affected by COVID-19 are eligible for an Emergency Assistance Grant in the amount of $1,000. Please visit the Foundation website to find out more information and to apply.”

If you would like to simply make a donation to the First Responders Children’s Foundation, you may do so at  www.1stRCF.org