SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., July 31, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- The TASER Foundation for Fallen Officers announced today that it has provided the 257th grant since the Foundation's inception in 2004. This grant places the TASER Foundation over $1,000,000 in direct financial assistance to the families of fallen officers.
"At first I was hesitant to publicize this tragic milestone, but the sad truth is that we will continue to have officers make the ultimate sacrifice," said Gerry Anderson, Executive Director. "We want the world to know that we need not sit helpless before these tragedies, as the TASER Foundation is proud to honor these fallen heroes by providing financial and educational support to their families in a time of need. It is our mission to provide immediate assistance to help bridge the gap between an officer's income and their long-term benefits. I look at this announcement as a more of a cry for help to relieve some of the pain and burden placed upon these families."
In most cases, the Foundation is able to process a grant request within 24 hours of receipt. Grants are made payable directly to the officer's beneficiary, but coordinated through their department to ensure the family's privacy at this traumatic time. The funds may be used for what ever they need.
"Our work is most rewarding when we hear feedback like that from the wife of an Illinois State Police officer who wrote, 'What a tremendous gift you have given us during our time of need. Due to benefit requirements and paperwork, our family will be without my husband's income for several weeks. You have completely eliminated the stress and burden of where will the money come from,'" added Anderson from one of the many letters of gratitude that the Foundation receives.
Because TASER International bears all administrative costs of the TASER Foundation, 100 percent of donations goes directly to the families. To date the TASER Foundation has raised $1.4 million dollars with $400,000 dollars in current assets. People interested in supporting these fallen heroes can donate online at www.TASERFoundation.org.
About the TASER Foundation
The TASER Foundation for Fallen Officers is a 501c3 non-profit organization with tax exempt status from the IRS. It was established in November 2004. The TASER Foundation's mission is to honor the service and sacrifice of local and federal law enforcement officers in the United States and Canada lost in the line of duty by providing financial support to their families. It is the only organization that provides direct financial benefits to families from the United States and Canada from federal, state/province, county, and local law enforcement organizations.
For further information contact Gerry Anderson, Executive Director of the TASER Foundation at Gerry@TASER.com or call 602-326-6176. Visit the TASER Foundation website at www.TASERFoundation.org for facts and video.