There are many different reasons Seattle Police Foundation donors make the choice to support the law enforcement professionals of the Seattle Police Department.

For some, it’s an inherent desire to serve those who have devoted their lives to service. For others, it’s a sharp understanding of the need to overcome budgetary barriers to stay leading-edge in terms of equipment, programs, and service enhancements. For others still, it’s an irrevocable love for the badge sparked by close relationships with those who wear it. Whatever the core reason, there is one thing that stands out as fundamental: SPF supporters are inspired by the opportunity to tangibly show their gratitude to those who selflessly serve our community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

They are deeply grateful for you all and they love the opportunity to show their support.

In November of 2021, we saw a groundbreaking commitment to public safety in Seattle, when HomeStreet Bank Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Mason pledged to match up to $150,000 in donations to SPF. Importantly, he didn’t want the funding used to purchase a new high-tech robot, or to repair one of the Harbor Patrol Unit boats. Instead, he turned his attention to all of you, and asked that the funding be invested in officer wellness, morale programs, and retention efforts.

This year, we sought to leverage relationships with our partners and supporters, to carry HomeStreet’s generosity even farther. This resulted in department-wide precinct improvement projects, which have been ongoing throughout 2022 and are slated to continue in 2023.

These projects have been a labor of love for us at SPF, and we hope that you’re enjoying them! 

In November, we held an open house at the East Precinct to show off the transformational kitchen improvement project spearheaded by SPF board member and Compass Construction President Frank Stauff. If you haven’t seen it yet, we hope that you soon get the chance.

The extensive renovations completely updated the aging kitchen and dining area, turning it into a vibrant, functional, welcoming space to better serve all of you. This was a 100% in-kind project, led by our friends at Compass and brought to fruition by a team of talented contractors, including Interior Logic Group, SJS Mechanical LLC, Haggard Electric, Ancient Stone Works LLC, and Cabinets Northwest - CNW.

This project was a perfect fit for Compass, which specializes in largescale, multifamily residential projects. Stauff was able to rely on the excellent relationships Compass maintains with its subcontractors, who were eager to be involved. In fact, it was a remarkably easy ask, Stauff shared.

The response was, overwhelmingly, “When, where and what do you need?”

Stauff’s interest in law enforcement was sparked in recent years, born from a strong, instinctive desire to keep his family safe. The married father of two said that it was easier to fulfill the protector role when his boys were young, but now that they’re teenagers, they’re out in the world, having experiences, living life, and exposed to a whole new realm of potential hazards.

He started becoming more civically engaged, and luckily for us, one night a friend and business associate suggested to him that he join the Seattle Police Foundation Board of Directors.

Stauff was all in. To him it seemed like a great way to give back to the law enforcement community, which has, from his perspective, been unjustly vilified in recent years. In his time on the board, he’s been so impressed by the professionalism, dedication, and commitment that you all have for your jobs, that his motivation to support SPD has only increased.

We owe a debt of gratitude to the person who recruited him, as our board is better off for Stauff’s quiet, steadfast determination to have a positive impact on SPD and the Seattle community.

The kitchen project was officially completed in November and the open house was held on November 9, the day after the fatal shooting at Ingraham High School. It was a full-circle moment for Stauff, whose son is a senior at Ingraham and attended the open house with his dad, after Ingraham cancelled classes that week. Stauff spoke at roll call on his own behalf and on behalf of son, praising you all for your swift, exemplary response to that incident.  

“As an organization and an individual, we are always looking for ways to give back to the community that we both work and live in, but rarely is the return so immediate and tangible,” Stauff said. “Over my past year with the Foundation, I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand how dedicated and talented the officers are, and it’s been incredibly eye-opening. The incident at Ingraham High School, which was so deeply personal for my family, is just one example of the amazing work done every day.

The results of the kitchen project speak for themselves and reflect the gratitude of the community. The centerpiece of the room is a custom-built fir dining table, laminated to hold a beautiful, glossy shine, and decorated with the Seattle Police Department logo. Other standout features include gorgeous blue tile backsplash, updated lighting, sleek pale grey cupboards, a large, glass-doored refrigerator, stunning marble countertops, and new appliances.

The new kitchen is both elegant and sturdy and has earned rave reviews.   

Additional miscellaneous enhancements at the East precinct included a new coffee maker, plates, a vacuum cleaner, and new lounge furniture. These items were largely paid for with the wellness funding from HomeStreet Bank. We are grateful to Compass for its partnership, and all the contractors for their time and generosity in reimagining this space. Most of all, we want you all know how excited these hard-working folks were to dive in and show their appreciation for all that you do. 

“They all were super happy to have the opportunity to jump in and help,” Stauff said.

We were excited to sponsor the Seattle Police Department’s flag football wellness event on Sunday, November 20 at Montlake Playfield Park.

SPD officers, staff, and family enjoyed a beautiful sunny afternoon of competitive play on the gridiron, while fans and guests cheered on their favorite players from the sidelines. The event was coordinated by West Precinct Patrol Officer Jeremy Farkas as a way to bring people together, add a new athletic opportunity to SPD’s wellness repertoire, and most of all, have fun! Players and guests enjoyed an array of hot beverages and grilled food, including hamburgers, hotdogs, and snacks.

A total of five roughly 12-person teams battled it out on the field in several matchups. All told, the event welcomed around 80 attendees, including players, fans, and family members. SPD’s Photo Unit made up the lone civilian team, dubbing themselves the “Shin Kickers” and sporting custom shirts.

From Chief Adrian Z. Diaz and on down through the ranks, everyone had a great time.

"It was a huge success! Everyone had a blast, there was great fun and competition, and most importantly, it allowed for employees of different ranks, experience, and units to get to know each other and work together, along with their kids and families," Officer Farkas said. "We had multiple chiefs, officers, detectives, and civilian employees playing!"

Officer Farkas enjoys any opportunity to merge wellness and exercise. He serves as the treasurer of the Seattle Police Gyms Association (SPG), a nonprofit entity that provides the men and women of SPD access to exercise facilities and wellness programming. SPF has enjoyed partnering with Farkas and the SPD Wellness Unit to raise funds for updated gym equipment, host fun and challenging fitness combines, and increase SPG membership.

SPF funding purchased various incidentals for the game, including footballs, belts, and flags. Anticipation is already building for additional flag football events in the future, so we think it was a pretty great investment. Thanks to Officer Farkas for his hard work and planning!

In November and December, we were happy to support two Law Enforcement Family Day events, organized by our friends at Blue Hero Project and hosted by the Seattle Police Department Mounted Patrol Unit.

Conceptualized as a way for law enforcement families to come together for connection, conversation, and community in a safe, relaxing environment, these events gave LE families the opportunity to learn more about the Mounted Patrol Unit, meet and interact with the Police Horses, and spend quality time together. The events not only welcomed Seattle Police Department families but also families from police departments in neighboring jurisdictions.

The first took place on Sunday, November 20 and the second was Sunday, December 11. Huge thanks to Chief Adrian Diaz for attending Sunday’s event and introducing our guests to Police Horse Blucher! 

The Seattle Police Foundation was happy to provide cookies, hot beverages, and Mounted Patrol Unit stuffies for the kids. Mounted Patrol Unit staff offered other SPF-funded swag including our custom SPD coloring books and Police Horse trading cards, plus there were horseshoes that kids could decorate and take home. 

There were also activities, including roping and horseshoes. 

The events were planned and coordinated by Blue Hero Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to provide support, appreciation, and encouragement to law enforcement families across the state of Washington and beyond. Blue Hero Project was founded in 2021 and stops by SPD precincts to deliver snacks and drinks roughly once a month. In addition to organizing both events, Blue Hero arrived with an assortment of snacks, and freshly-brewed coffee from their friends at Boaz Coffee Company.

We appreciate all that Blue Hero Project does for SPD! Please be on the lookout for more LE family events in 2023.

On Sunday, December 17, we laid a wreath in honor of fallen Seattle Police Office Nick Davis, killed in the line of duty on December 18, 1984. Officer Davis is buried at IOOF Cemetery in Monroe.