Welcome Brigid

Salem, Oregon (March 3, 2021) – The Salem Police Foundation (SPF) held its tenth annual Breakfast with the Chief fundraiser on Wed. March 3, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. This year the program was virtual and will be rebroadcast at www.SalemPoliceFoundation.org/2021event at 7:00 pm.

Salem Health was the title sponsor, and the Foundation brought in over $70,000 in sponsorships even before the event began and raised thousands more from donors for the 45-minute broadcast.

During the virtual event, viewers could see the new police station and see items that the SPF has been able to purchase for officers, such as the TI Training Simulator.

Chief Trevor Womack was able to introduce himself to the community during his eight-minute presentation. “Salem is such a vibrant city, filled with diversity of thought, culture, and interest…brimming with energy and activity just waiting with anticipation to finally shake off the binds of this terrible pandemic and spring back to life. I can’t wait to experience that along with all of you,” he said.

Chief Womack came to Salem from Stockton, California. He is a second-generation police officer with 29 years of service. He explained the importance of implementing both smarter and principled policing and making Salem a model for 21st Century Policing. During his online address, the Chief emphasized the reason for the event was to honor those men and women in the department who protect citizens each day. “They are just incredible people,” he said. “They are a symbol of all that is good about our city. Today is about taking care of those who take care of us.”

The theme of this year’s event was Officer Wellness. Viewers heard from officers and their families about the job’s weight and challenges. They also virtually met Chaplain Kenny Engelking, who revealed a surprise guest, Brigid, the Salem Police Department’s new comfort dog.

Over the last decade, generous citizens have helped the SPF purchase critical safety and crime investigatory tools such as the city’s Mobile Command Center, crime cameras, K-9 officer dogs, a fingerprint fuming chamber, an all-terrain utility vehicle, and a Forensics Fingerprint Recovery System.

The Foundation is still accepting donations toward its work.  www.SalemPoliceFoundation.org.

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About the Salem Police Foundation: The Salem Police Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(C)3 dedicated to supporting the Salem Police Department. www.SalemPoliceFoundation.org.