About six months ago, a group of concerned citizens in Redmond began talking about how they wanted to support their police department.
After approaching the Redmond Police Department (RPD), the citizens began working on forming the Redmond Police Foundation, a benevolent vehicle to support officers outside of the city budget.
Sharon Brocker, one of the founding members and president of the foundation, said their mission is to support law enforcement by providing funds for essential, non-budget expenditures. These expenditures could include police gear, professional development or individual or family support in the event of a crisis.
Brocker said she became involved because it has been her life’s motto to make friends and build strong community. She said Redmond is a great place to live and the police and first responders are incredible and she wanted to support their efforts.
Redmond is fortunate to have caring and compassionate law enforcement that does great community policing.
“Our police department, they make such a difference,” Brocker said.
One example of this difference, she said, is the Assistance League of the Eastside’s Operation School Bell. At this annual event, local students from families facing financial hardship are given the opportunity to go on a shopping spree for back-to-school clothes, shoes and coats. Law enforcement officers often participate and shop with the youth. Brocker said the kids and adults alike are excited to see the officers.
