News and Announcements :: July 21, 2009
Tucson Police Foundation & Area Businesses Team Up To Provide Water For TPD Officers
announced at a press conference on July 21, 2009 — Photo Gallery
The Target Corporation, in partnership with the Tucson Police Foundation, has stepped up to assist the officers of the Tucson Police Department with a donation of 144 cases of water. The Foundation has also received 10 cases of water donated by Buffalo Wild Wings (Irvington location), and a $50 gift card toward the purchase of 10 cases of water from COSTCO Wholesale of Tucson. The Foundation's goal is to obtain 200 cases of water for TPD. This water will be used during high risk incidents where officers may be on-scene for extended periods of time due to on-going emergency crisis calls. Since the summers in Tucson are particularly hot, officers need water to maintain their capacity to respond during crisis situations where they may be in a fixed location for a lengthy period of time. The water can be life saving for the officers and the citizens who may be involved in hours long stand-offs and other serious events.
Target's donation of 144 cases of water is part of the ongoing support Target provides to local communities throughout the country. Since 1946, Target has given 5% of its income to the communities it serves. Today that equals more than $3 million to support education, the arts, social services, and volunteerism. Target also has a proud history of partnership with local law enforcement by sharing information, technology, expertise and other support while focusing on safety and security issues that affect guests, team members and communities. By sharing their expertise and resources, Target works with local agencies to build safer, healthier communities.
Rich Harper, Chairman of the Tucson Police Foundation was interviewed after the presentation ceremony and had this to say: "Supporting our officers is vital, especially in the summer when day time temperatures can be just as deadly as a possible criminal threat, during a standoff. We really appreciate our area businesses coming to the aide of the officers, this is the kind of support that helps the officer's families stand up to the stress of dangerous police work." He went on to say, "We are still about 28 cases of water short of our goal, so anyone, business, person, or organization is welcome to bring water to the Tucson Police Foundation office at 3900 E. Timrod, #7, and we will get it to the officers."