Last Updated on April 15, 2021 by Maggie Sutton
Leading up to National Police Week the Homes for Heroes Foundation in conjunction with Colorado Springs Homes for Heroes real estate and mortgage specialists, held an event in support of the Colorado Springs area police departments and local K9 units. The Homes for Heroes Foundation donated a $5,000 grant to the Colorado Springs Police Protective Association (CSPPA) Fallen Officer Relief Fund (FoRF), and the grant was used to support injured Colorado Springs officer, Cem Duzel.
Colorado Springs Police Officer Critically Injured
August 2, 2018 Colorado Springs Police Officer, Cem Duzel, was critically shot in the head responding to a call for a man randomly firing a gun. Officer Duzel was placed in intensive care for nearly a month where he fought for his life. The Colorado Spring community showed amazing support for officer Duzel; organizing events, sending encouraging messages and prayers.
On August 28, 2018 officer Duzel was released from intensive care. At that time, the Colorado Springs Police Department reported there were setbacks along the way, but officer Duzel continued to make progress toward recovery. Story reported by local NBC affiliate, KOAA News 5. The Homes for Heroes Foundation grant will assist with officer Duzel’s recovery efforts.
CSPPA Fallen Officer Relief Fund
The mission of the newly formed CSPPA Fallen Officer Relief Fund is to provide immediate financial assistance to Pikes Peak region law enforcement officers who have been catastrophically injured or killed in the line of duty. The goal of the Fund’s Board of Directors is to grow the F.o.R.F. through community, corporate, and individual donations, to enable a rapid response when law enforcement crises occur. Having been in existence only since April 2018, 100 percent of designated funds have thus far gone to direct support; 100 percent of non designated funds remaining with FoRF have been appropriated by the Board of Directors to be used only for future law enforcement crises.
The assistance provided by the CSPPA FoRF includes, but is not limited to, direct cash contributions to officers and their immediate family members, arranging and paying for transportation fees (air/car), local hotel accommodations, and meals, and the provision of miscellaneous sundries. The CSPPA FoRF also serves as a liaison for the injured officer/family as necessary with respect to setting up temporary guardianships/conservatorships if needed.
It was an honor to work with the CSPPA Fallen Officer Relief Fund to coordinate grant funds to be used toward Officer Duzel’s recovery. Our Homes for Heroes real estate and mortgage specialists have a good relationship with the local police departments. They even coordinate an event each year to raise money for local law enforcement departments K9 units.
2nd Annual Homes for Heroes Community Cares K9 Event
In addition, Homes for Heroes Colorado Springs real estate and mortgage specialists worked together to host the 2nd Annual HFH Community Cares K9 Event at Wiedner Field. The Homes for Heroes Foundation $5,000 grant was presented at this event. The event also helped raise funds for local K9 and Mounted Officer departments in excess of over $32,000!
$18,000 for the Colorado Springs Police Department K9 units.
$7,500 for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Department K9 units.
$3,000 for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Agency to support three new K9 units.
They also donated $2,000 to the Fountain Police Department and $1,000 to the Woodland Police Department.
Homes for Heroes, Inc. and the Homes for Heroes Foundation
In conjunction with our real estate and mortgage specialists, Homes for Heroes is able to help law enforcement and other local heroes save money on their home. And, to expand its circle of giving, Homes for Heroes, Inc., donates a portion of its earnings to the Homes for Heroes Foundation. Every time a hero buys or sells a home using the Homes for Heroes program, they are helping heroes in need. The Foundation awards Hero Grants to local nonprofit charities serving heroes in need of financial or housing assistance. Please visit the Homes for Heroes Foundation website to make a donation and help us support our heroes in need.
