St. Louis Police Foundation Established

Colonel Chris Goodson, President of the St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners and Douglas A. Albrecht, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Centric Group, officially announced the formation of the St. Louis Police Foundation at a news conference on Tuesday, July 17, 2007 at the Metropolitan Police Department’s Headquarters in Downtown St. Louis. They also announced the Foundation’s Inaugural Fundraiser, an NFL Kickoff Lunch with national sports broadcasters Joe Buck and Dan Dierdorf on September 4, 2007 at America’s Center.

Surrounded by Chief Joe Mokwa and members of the Department’s Canine Unit, Colonel Goodson and Mr. Albrecht outlined the goal of the not-for-profit foundation and the impact it will have on the Police Department. “With this Foundation, every individual, business, and organization in the St. Louis area can become a valued member of the police community and play a vital role in making St. Louis a safer city,” says Goodson, member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “Every contribution, no matter how big or small is an investment in our City and will have a positive impact today and for years to come on the Department and within this community.”

Modeled after other successful police foundations in New York, Atlanta and Chicago, the mission of the Foundation is to serve as a conduit for the business and private sectors to support the St. Louis Police Department through monetary aid, services and goods, to provide the highest level of police service to the St. Louis community.

“We are very pleased about the partnership that is being forged with the community and their enthusiastic support and creation of this important Foundation,” says Col. Joseph Mokwa, Chief of Police. “The police officers in this Department work tirelessly to protect this community. The benefits of the Foundation not only impact community safety; they touch the hearts and minds of every member of this Department.”

The Board of Police Commissioners approved funds to create the Police Foundation after the Department received a donation from a St. Louis resident. A grant of $162,500 from the Veronica Susan Dougherty Trust was made upon her death in 2005. “This surprise windfall was given by a generous woman who was clearly dedicated to her community,” said Goodson. “Ms. Dougherty’s donation was the basis for the development of this Foundation, and we are honored to utilize these resources to support police officers and create a safer city.” In addition, a $50,000 donation by the Lohr Distributing Company was presented to inspire and challenge others businesses in the St. Louis area to join in the mission. Steve Lohr, President of the company is also a member of the Police Foundation Board.

Funds from this Foundation will support programs, initiatives and projects that are strategically focused to compliment the Department’s policing strategies. Current programs in development include the support of the Police Department’s Canine, Mounted Patrol and Hostage Response Units. As the Foundation matures and donations increase, activities will be developed and the community impact will continue to increase.

Other Board members include Kathleen T. Osborn, Executive Director of the Regional Business Council, Sandra Van Trease, Group President, BJC HealthCare, Steven C. Roberts, President & COO, Roberts Companies, Tom Irwin, Executive Director, Civic Progress, and Stephen C. Jones, Partner, Armstrong Teasdale LLP.