Although the SPPOA “Occasionally has a fundraiser” much of the donation funding is culled from Association dues, said Sr. Officer Clark.The 40-member SPPOA includes not only sworn Officers but also Dispatchers, Community Services Officers and Lieutenants, the latter non-voting members.Sr. Officer Clark said that SPPOA members are also active community volunteers in and out of uniform as well as politically active for endorsed candidates and measures.From Blanchard Community Library to team sports, from FLAIR to the Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation, from Chamber mixers to the SPHS yearbook the SPPOA has consistently offered support.And that includes for each other and Officers from outside the city: “We make sure that SPPD Officer’s wives who have had children receive flowers as do those Officers who have had a death in the family. We also support other Police Associations,” especially when an Officer has died in the course of duty.“Wherever Police are present we’re always there,” Sr. Officer Clark noted.
Santa Paula Police Officers Association’s season of giving is year-round
December 21, 2007
Santa Paula Police Department
Most people think of the Santa Paula Police only in terms of their crime-fighting job but many don’t realize that the Officers of the Santa Paula Police Officers Association (SPPOA) also include community giving in their mission.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesMost people think of the Santa Paula Police only in terms of their crime-fighting job but many don’t realize that the Officers of the Santa Paula Police Officers Association (SPPOA) also include community giving in their mission.“Throughout the year, the Santa Paula Police Officers Association consistently gives back to the community by donating to various organizations and charities,” said SPPOA President Sr. Officer Ken Clark.During this holiday season the SPPOA donated $150 to the Boy & Girls Club of the Santa Clara Valley to provide to all the children who participate in the SPPD Las Piedras Storefront a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.Another SPPOA donation for hundreds of dollars annually targets the Las Piedras Storefront’s “Santa and Me” program that provides more than 1,000 children with a holiday celebration including free photographs with St. Nick.SPPOA Vice President Senior Officer Ryan Smith said that this year’s upcoming “Santa and Me” needed extra last-minute help: “We received word that they were still short on money so we donated another $100” to ensure the success of the celebration.“The SPPOA also donated $250 to the Santa Paula Rotary Christmas Basket fund” which collects and delivers food and toys to more than 400 needy area families, said Sr. Officer Clark.“The SPPOA is committed to serve and give back to the citizens of Santa Paula,” with a special emphasis on youth and children projects and programs.Donations are decided by a majority of the SPPOA’s seven-member Board of Directors after the Association President considers donation requests and determines a recommended donation amount.
