The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation was not born in a boardroom, but in breakrooms, garages, kitchen tables, and after-hours conversations between visionaries who believed in something bigger than themselves. Our founding fathers—correctional professionals working full-time jobs—poured their time, hearts, and hope into building something this profession had never seen: a national Foundation dedicated to Taking Care of Our Own.
But while their vision lit the spark, it was the unwavering commitment of long-time staff who kept that fire burning.
For decades, a small but mighty group of individuals made it their life’s work to bring CPOF’s mission to life. These are the people who showed up early, stayed late, skipped lunches, sacrificed weekends, and gave their all—quietly, humbly, and relentlessly. They didn’t just support the Foundation—they built it, brick by brick, member by member, case by case.
Their work went far beyond job descriptions. They became the voice on the other end of the phone for grieving families, the driving force behind fundraising campaigns, and the heartbeat of our response to natural disasters and moments of need. Their institutional knowledge, passion, and consistency provided the foundation for everything CPOF has become.
They also carried the emotional weight of the mission. These longtime staff members didn’t just process assistance- they remembered the names, the faces, the families. They honored each story, no matter how heavy, with dignity and care. Their dedication made “Taking Care of Our Own” not just a motto, but a lived experience.
Behind them stood their families, who sacrificed in their own quiet ways; supporting long work hours, missed holidays, and the emotional toll that comes with a mission rooted in loss and service. The same must be said for the families of our board members, who gave freely of their loved ones so others could be helped.
And then there are the families we serve—especially the widows and loved ones of the fallen—who, even in their most painful moments, have given back. Many have become advocates, volunteers, and mentors for others walking the same path. Their strength and generosity are deeply woven into the fabric of this Foundation.
To all of you—the staff who stayed, the families who supported them, the volunteers who gave freely, and the survivors who transformed grief into action—we owe more than thanks. We owe our very existence.
To our new and future staff and volunteers: welcome. You are now part of something built with sweat, sacrifice, and love. Learn the stories. Feel the mission. And help us keep the spirit of CPOF alive for generations to come.
Because Taking Care of Our Own isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are.