The Public Safety Officer's Fund (PSOF) was founded in 2000 by Jack DeHeer, a highly decorated,
duty-disabled Chicago Police officer. Jack, together with a small group of visionary police officers, felt a strong
conviction that something more needed to be done for the families of fallen officers. These were the humble beginnings
from which the PSOF has grown into an organization that is actively giving back to those who have lost loved ones in the line
of duty.
Funds are accumulated through memberships, donations, advertisements and proceeds from the organized
charitable events such as sporting tournaments, concerts, dinners, auctions and other fundraising events. Through these events
the local businesses, churches, and members of the community are given the opportunity to give back and play a part in raising
funds for the families of fallen officers.
Donations received have helped in assisting other national organizations for the families of slain public safety
officers, including Gold Star Families (families of police officers killed in the line of duty), and Gold Badge Families (families
of firefighters killed in the line of duty). These families are brought to the Police Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.
and the Firefighters Memorial Wall in Colorado Springs for annual events where the names of their loved ones are memorialized.
Also, shortly after the terrorist attack of 9/11, a charity baseball game was held between the Chicago Police
Department and the Chicago Fire Department at White Sox Park, in Chicago. At this event, over $85,000 dollars was raised
for the New York Police and Fire Children and Widow's Benefit Fund. This event inspired the Public Safety Officer's
Fund to organize sports venues to raise funds.
The PSOF creates opportunities for any avid sports fan to "give back". In addition to baseball games, the
PSOF also hosts golf tournaments, basketball tournaments, fishing and hunting expeditions, sharp shooting contests, stockcar
racing, and billiard tournaments.
Other non-sporting fundraising events are sure to provoke any community into action. Auctions, concerts,
carnivals, dinners, and craft shows are just a few of the ways any local community can partner with the PSOF in raising funds
for the families of local heroes.
Family Harvest Church of Tinley Park, IL organizes an annual appreciation night at which Firefighters and Public
Safety Officers are honored and appreciated. Hosted by the church and surrounding communities, this night is a call
to remembrance, both of those slain and those still serving the community.
