Serving Those who Serve and Protect
By Donna Lind
On January 3, 2004, UCSC Police Captain Robert Jones went on a ride on the new mountain bike his wife of three years bought him for Christmas. As he was riding along Highway 1, a teenager adjusting her stereo veered across the lane, hitting
Robert head-on. Emergency personnel who arrived did not expect Robert to survive the trip to the hospital due his severe head trauma. Robert lay in the hospital for three months in a coma before he regained consciousness, but with severe brain injuries. The hospital/insurance wanted to transfer him to a care facility. Robert’s wife Toni wanted to bring Robert home but there were no funds for the 24/7 care he required.
Local first responders and citizens pulled together to raise the necessary funds. They created the non-profit, “Fallen Officer Foundation” and were successful in raising the money to retrofit Robert’s home and provide the necessary care. Robert had always been a man’s man, athletic and one who gave 100% to his career and any task he took on. Against all odds, Robert and his wife Toni worked hard toward his recovery. He made progress and reached a point of being able to take a few steps with caregiver’s supporting him. Sadly, Robert suffered seizures that took a toll and he lost the progress he’d made. After an incredible three-year struggle and a series of complications, Robert succumbed to his injuries.
During this time, Fallen Officer Foundation grew and continued to assist local first responders in times of crisis. The Foundation received their 501(c)(3) status and through local fundraising, they have been able to assist in many ways. One first responder was in a serious traffic accident that required extended time off work for recovery. A Central Fire Fighter fought a courageous battle with lung cancer that he developed from chemical exposure during his career. Another first responder’s baby was diagnosed with leukemia. The family had to stay near Stanford awaiting a donor. Recently two Santa Cruz police officers were murdered.
In each of these cases and many more, Fallen Officer Foundation was able to assist in times of crisis. The small group of dedicated people who pulled together ten years ago to assist Robert Jones never imagined the path the Foundation would take. No one imagined that ten years later, the Fallen Officer Foundation would have assisted over forty local first responders in times of need. Unless you’ve seen the faces of those who have been helped, it’s hard to appreciate the work the Foundation does and importance of our community’s support.
The Fallen Officer Foundation conducts one annual fundraiser, the Fallen Officer Ball, which includes a silent & live auction, dinner and dancing as well as a tribute to the first responders who have been assisted through the years. The past several years the event has sold out in advance, even though the venue was expanded to include approximately 550 guests. The Fallen Officer Foundation Board is comprised of volunteers who work from their homes so that 98% of funds raised go back to assisting local first responders.
The next Fallen Officer Foundation Ball will be at the Cocoanut Grove February 7 from 5:30 to 11 p.m. You can view the Fallen Officer Foundation Website at www.fallenofficerfoundation.com or the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fallen-Officer-Foundation/170086503017063. The event is a fun filled night of dancing, dining, auctions and tribute.
You can assist this worthy cause by donating an auction item or becoming a sponsor or buying a ticket to attend and pay tribute to local first responders. For more information contact the Fallen Officer Foundation through the website or by phone at 831-662-3105.