(Editor’s note: the author’s daytime job is the senior vice president of RM Woodworth and Associates out of Atlanta.–eeb)
By Ed Walls
President, The Braselton Police Foundation
BRASELTON, Ga. | The Braselton Police Foundation has been organized to fund equipment and financial support to the Braselton Police Department (BPD) to individual officers in need. The Foundation is additionally working with BPD so they can expand their activity to institute an array of public safety initiatives. Through our public-private partnership model, we plan to pursue privately funded events and implement programming that creates a safe town for every citizen of Braselton.
Walls
The foundation was formed on Sept. 19, 2022.
Senate bill 361, the Law Enforcement Strategic Support (LESS Crime) Act, allows businesses and individual taxpayers to claim a tax credit for their contributions to qualified law enforcement foundations. SB 361 allows single filers to claim a tax credit of up to $5,000 for qualified contributions. Joint filers and qualified businesses may claim up to $10,000.
These funds can be used to train officers, purchase, or maintain equipment or go towards establishing a mental health co-responder program. Total contributions are capped at $5 million per foundation per year and $75 million statewide annually.
While we wait on our 501(3)(c) designation letter from the IRS and become a qualified law enforcement foundation, you can mail donations to the Town of Braselton, and they will accept them on our behalf.
In July, we held our first fundraiser, a 5K Run Walk with a turnout of over 100 participants. We received multiple sponsor donations from Braselton businesses and individuals. The tremendous support from the community has been terrific.
Additionally, we have sponsored the second annual recognition dinner for the department, recognizing officers for several awards including officer of the year. It has been rewarding to support the Braselton Police Department. They are such a great group of people that are committed and focused on doing things the right way.
We welcome everyone’s support. It is tough to fully fund a police department with a limited municipal budget. Our goal is to bridge that gap and help the BPD with the right tools to achieve excellence. If you would like to help, donations can be mailed to:
Town of Braselton
Police Foundation
P.O. Box 306
Braselton, Ga. 30517
Officers of the foundation include Greg Krafcik, Vice President; Jennifer Scott, Secretary/Treasurer; and board members Amy Bell, Richard Harper, Broderick Smith and Kevin Thompson.
On behalf of The Braselton Police Foundation Board, let me thank you for your support!
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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