The nonprofit Philadelphia Police Foundation made a significant impact on the men and women of the Philadelphia Police Department in 2013 through its support and contributions of funding for equipment, training and programs that were not included in the city’s budget last year.

Maureen Rush, Philadelphia Police Foundation Board President and Vice President for Public Safety and Superintendent of Police at the University of Pennsylvania, said the Foundation donated a total of $210,000 to the Police Department for critically needed equipment and programs. It was the Foundation’s most productive year in its 15-year history.

“Last year was a significant year for the Foundation – and the Police Department – from a fund raising perspective. For the first time our volunteer board of directors partnered with Police Commissioner Charles R. Ramsey and his command staff to clearly identify the Department’s highest priority, but unfunded needs, which were then included in our 2013-2015 Case for Support,” Rush said. “These became the projects and programs for which we then sought philanthropic support from generous individuals, foundations and corporations. Our continuing drive to enhance the public safety efforts of the men and women of the Police Department are, in the long run, in the best interests and safety of all Philadelphians.”

“Our department is grateful to the Philadelphia Police Foundation for its interest, efforts and determination to assist us in the areas of training, patrol and investigative procedures. Their contributions are invaluable to the big picture of reducing crime and making our streets safe for everyone,” Ramsey said.

Projects funded by the Foundation last year include:

• $80,000 for trucks, trailers and equipment for the Mounted Patrol Unit
• $45,000 to support the Supervisory In-Service Training Program
• $31,000 to purchase bulletproof vests
• $29,000 for 450 sets of front and rear lights for Bike Patrol Unit bicycles
• $15,000 to underwrite the development of a comprehensive recruitment plan
• $10,000 toward a long-term goal of purchasing new interrogation recording equipment

The Philadelphia Police Foundation (www.phillypolicefoundation.org) was established in 1999 by civic and corporate leaders in the Philadelphia region as “A Force Behind the Shield.” The Foundation’s primary focus is to assist the officers of the Philadelphia Police Department by funding urgently needed special programs, equipment and community endeavors not provided in the City of Philadelphia’s annual budget. Tax- deductible donations can be made by visiting the Foundation’s website.