SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Nov. 16, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The TASER Foundation for Fallen Officers, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to provide financial assistance to families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in the U.S. and Canada, today announced that it will receive a donation in the amount of $500,000 during a check presentation ceremony on at 10:30 a.m. on November 19, at Westcor Aviation located at 7305 E. Greenway Rd, Scottsdale, AZ. The gift will establish a permanent endowment fund as part of the TASER Foundation's Legacy Society.
"We are overwhelmed by such generosity," commented Gerry Hills, Executive Director the TASER Foundation. "This is our single largest donation outside the initial founding of the TASER Foundation by the Smith Family and the employees of TASER International." The genesis of this unique contribution began with the tragic deaths of helicopter pilot Scott Bowerbank and photojournalist Jim Cox of KTVK-TV on July 27, 2007. The crash was between KTVK-TV's helicopter, piloted by Bowerbank, who was reporting live while flying and covering a police car chase, and KNXV-TV Channel 15's helicopter, piloted by Craig Smith, who was also reporting live and flying. Passenger and photojournalist Rick Krolak from KNXV-TV Channel 15, was also killed in the crash. Both helicopters went down in a park in central Phoenix and caught fire.
The accident tragically occurred on the same day that Phoenix Police Officer George Cortez was lost in the line of duty. Officer Cortez was shot and killed while responding to a cash-checking store to investigate reports of a forgery-in-progress.
The Bowerbank and Cox families in their grief have reached out to the law enforcement community and have asked that all donations in Scott and Jim's memory be directed to the families of fallen officers.
A portion of this gift will be directed to the families of Phoenix Police Officer George Cortez and Phoenix Officer Nick Erfle. Officer Erfle was killed in the line of duty after he and his partner approached three people for jaywalking and obstructing traffic on September 18, 2007.
"We lose an average of 145 officers per year and the TASER Foundation provides immediate financial support to these families during terrible times of crisis throughout the U.S. and Canada," said Hills. "Sadly, officer deaths are up 36 percent in the year 2007 compared to 2006."
"This gift, in memory of Scott and Jim, is directed to assist two families in need while also raising awareness about the TASER Foundation," said Hills. "This incredibly generous gift will not only help provide a secure future for the Cortez and Erfle families, but will also continue to help up to six families per year in perpetuity. This donation comes during the month of Thanksgiving which reminds us of the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers all year long. The TASER Foundation cannot exist without the help and support of the generous donors from small to large."
"This gift honors the legacy of these brave men who died in service to their community," concluded Hills.
Check Ceremony Event Details Date: Monday, November 19 Time: 10:30 am at Westcor Aviation. Location: Westcor Aviation at 7305 E. Greenway Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
Scott Bowerbank's mother, Leslie Bowerbank, will present the donation to the TASER Foundation.
TASER International Chairman and founder Tom Smith will be there along with Tiffany Cortez to accept the donation.
About the TASER Foundation
The TASER Foundation for Fallen Officers 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. The Foundation has distributed $1,500,000 to over 470 families in the United States and Canada. It is the only organization that provides benefits to families in the United States and Canada from federal, state/province, county, and local law enforcement organizations. In addition, its program fills the gap between an officer's death and when pensions and other benefits begin. In most cases a grant request is processed within 24 hours of receipt.
The TASER International logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2931
For further information contact Gerry Hills, Executive Director of the TASER Foundation at Gerry@TASER.com or call 602-326-6176.