Omaha Police Foundation Celebrates 20 Years, Unveils New Logo
The Omaha Police Foundation (OPF; www.OmahaPoliceFoundation.org) is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and, as a part of the commemoration, is proud to introduce a new logo. The refreshed logo design was inspired by the badge worn by the sworn officers of the Omaha Police Department (OPD).
Over the past 19 years, the Foundation has raised more than $5 million to implement several major improvements for OPD, including the purchasing of vital equipment, officer recruitment and training programs, community relations, and officer recognition. OPF’s efforts have made it possible to build a new canine training facility on the Omaha Police Safety and Training Center (2011), purchase a Fire Arms Training Simulator for OPD (2014), and to make several other equipment purchases that improve the quality and efficiency of OPD’s police force. OPF has also supported numerous community-based programs presented by OPD, such as the Police Athletics for Community Engagement (formerly Omaha Police Athletic League), National Night Out, Bomb Pop with a Cop, Cops & Bobbers fishing program, and more.
In 2017, OPF concluded its fundraising initiative and purchased a Mobile Crime Lab, which is used to process evidence found at crime scenes faster and more efficiently, and in 2018 they purchased a Mobile Command and Communications Center. The vehicle is utilized in the most critically sensitive operations such as barricade situations, officer-involved shooting scenes, homicide scenes, natural disasters, and other emergencies, as well as high-traffic events where OPD maintains crowd control. OPF is currently raising the remaining funds to purchase 600 Body Worn Cameras to fully equip the Uniform Patrol Bureau officers as well as members of the Gang Unit and Emergency Response Unit.
Founded in 1999, the Omaha Police Foundation provides financial support for the Omaha Police Department to ensure that officers have the training, equipment, and technology needed to prevent crime, save lives, and make Omaha a safer community. The Foundation is governed by a 17-member Board of Directors, led by President D.C. Woody Bradford. The Chief of Police and the President of the Omaha Police Officers Association each serve as ex-officio members of the Board. Visit www.OmahaPoliceFoundation.org for more information.