logo5Concerns of Police Survivors
Monthly Email Newsletter April 2010
In This Issue
Tax Notice
NPW 2010
Road to Hope
NPW Volunteers Needed
NPW 5K
NPC-50
Fly the Blue
Fantasy Football
FBI Scholarship
National Crime Victims' Rights Week
Buddy Bass Tournament
Testimonial
COPSstore
Best in America
Blue Ribbon Campaign
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Fly the Blue!

Featured Sponsor
Harley Davidson Logo
 
Quick Links...
Important Tax Notice for Survivors
We know this is a late notice since some of you may have already filed your income tax reports for 2009; however, Sonja Fry, w/CO/87, brought IRS Code Title 26 101(h) to the attention of the National Office and it can affect your state and/or Federal taxes.  The law states that "gross income shall not include any amount paid as a survivor annuity on account of the death of a public safety officer killed in the line of duty". There are exceptions to this law, so please check with a qualified tax accountant to see if you qualify for this tax exemption. There is always the opportunity to file an amended return if you have already filed this year's return and did not know about this exemption. 
National Police Week 2010 Activity Dates
Official Dates of National Police Week 2010 are Sunday, May 9 through Saturday, May 15.

Wednesday, May 12: Early Arrival Day and the Road to Hope arrival ceremony 
 
Thursday, May 13: Official Arrival Day, National Police Week Check-In, the Road to Hope flag presentation, and the Annual Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Memorial
 
Friday, May 14: First day of the National Police Survivors' Conference and C.O.P.S. Kids/Teens activities
 
Saturday, May 15: The National Police Officers' Memorial Service on the West Front of the United States Capitol
 
Sunday, May 16: Second day of the National Police Survivors' Conference, C.O.P.S. Kids/Teens activities, and a Hoedown at the Hilton
 
Monday, May 17: Official departure day
The Road to Hope
Road to Hope
Concerns of Police Survivors plans to host its National Police Week activities under the theme Road to Hope. The theme symbolizes the grief journey law enforcement survivors must make after the loss of their officer and how C.O.P.S. can help them to take the road to rebuild their lives. 
 
Law Enforcement United (LEU) and PoliceHotels.com will symbolically follow the Road to Hope with their joint trek to raise awareness of officers' deaths in 2009 and the healing work provided by C.O.P.S. 
 
Law Enforcement United, a new organization of law enforcement officers who are also bicycling enthusiasts, will make a 250-mile journey from Chesapeake, Virginia, to the National Capital area. LEU is raising funds for C.O.P.S. and Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP); LEU's donation will help fund the annual, week-long C.O.P.S. Kids Summer Camp scheduled for the last week of July 2010. With over 200 survivors attending that camp at a cost of over $125,000, C.O.P.S. appreciates LEU's efforts.  
 
Representatives of PoliceHotels.com will be making a 4,000-mile drive across the United States in a Hummer displaying the names of every officer killed in the line of duty in 2009. They will be stopping in cities and town that experienced the loss of an officer in 2009. The Hummer is raising money for C.O.P.S. by seeking sponsors of "Miles in Memory", where you can make a donation for a stretch of 10-500 miles in memory of any fallen officer.  

The two organizations will end their trek at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, on May 12, 2010. The arrival ceremony is set for 1:00 p.m. At the arrival ceremony Rob Costelow, a singer/songwriter, will perform his new song song "Road to Hope".
 
Visit the Road to Hope website at www.copsroadtohope.org.
Volunteers Still Needed During National Police Week
John Kalaman, Chairman of the Volunteer Committee, is looking for volunteers to work C.O.P.S.' activities during National Police Week 2010.  Whether it is helping with registration or showing new survivors to seminar meeting rooms, there will be hundreds of tasks that will need to be done.  There is also a need for Spanish speaking volunteers.  Please let John know if you are bilingual when you contact him.  National Police Week check-in will be held on May 13 from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and several volunteers will be needed on May 14 and May 16 during the National Police Survivors' Conference.  Contact John at 937-293-3373 (home) or 937-287-1641 (cell) or email him at [email protected].
National Police Week 5K
The 4th Annual National Police Week 5K to benefit C.O.P.S. will be held on May 8, 2010, starting at 9 a.m. For more information and registration, please visit www.nationalpoliceweek5k.com
NPC-50
The 11th Annual National Police Challenge 50-Kilometer Relay Race will be held on May 14, 2010, at the U.S. Secret Service Training Center in Laurel, Maryland. All law enforcement personnel are invited to participate. Online registration available at http://www.secretservice.gov/npc50/registration.shtml.  

The U.S. Secret Service-Employee Recreation Association coordinates the race on behalf of Concerns of Police Survivors and H.E.R.O.E.S.
Fly the Blue! Support Law Enforcement!
blue ribbon
For the past several years, Concerns of Police Survivors has been encouraging citizens to fly blue ribbons from their car antennas during National Police Week.  This year from May 9 through May 15, seeing thousands of blue ribbons flying from cars would be a tremendous show of support for our fallen officers and those still working the streets. The ribbons should be tied to personal cars and/or police cruisers to show support for law enforcement.  To receive blue ribbons, fill out the online form at http://nationalcops.org/serv10.htm or FAX your request into C.O.P.S. at 573-346-1414 with your mailing address and the number of blue ribbons you would like to receive.
Fantasy Football to Benefit C.O.P.S.

Noted Fantasy Sports expert and games innovator, Joe DiMaio of FantasyPlayersEdge.com, has created a unique and challenging fantasy football game for the upcoming 2010 NFL season. For the first time ever, a tournament that levels the playing field for all participants. Using a unique format that does not rely on draft position or the nuance of auctions gives everyone an equal chance of winning the $50,000 Grand Prize.  Best of all, a portion of every law enforcement officer's entry fee will benefit C.O.P.S.  If you enjoy playing fantasy football, want to play for $50,000 and additional cash prizes, and would like to help C.O.P.S fund their essential programs, go to: www.grandmasterfantasyfootball.com/cops.
FBI Scholarship
The FBI is currently accepting applications for the Robert David May Scholarship. Dependents of all Federal Law Enforcement Officer killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty are eligible to apply.  Applications must be submitted by May 15, 2010.  Applications and additional information may be obtained by contacting the WorkLife Program Manager, Ms. Edwina Harris at 202-324-3902.
National Crime Victims' Rights Week- April 18-24, 2010
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 In the not so distant past, victim compensation and support services were not available to those harmed by crime. Victims were routinely excluded from courtrooms and blamed for their victimization, until victims and advocates demanded change. This year's theme is "Crime Victims' Rights: Fairness. Dignity. Respect." captures the ideals that inspired the victims' rights movement.

While there has been tremendous progress, there are too many discouraging stories about adult victims; failed notification systems, denials of compensation, violent offenders released on bail, and in today's financial hardships, stories of victim assistance programs forced to reduce the services they offer. National Crime Victims' Rights Week serves as a call to action an urgent summons for fairness, dignity, and respect for all victims of crime. Every year Crime Victims' Rights Week celebrates the progress made and the commitment to ensure that all victims know about and can exercise their rights. For more information please visit www.ncvc.org.  
 
All too often, law enforcement officers and their families are victims of crime, too!
Open Buddy Bass Tournament in Missouri
A bass fishing tournament is scheduled for Saturday, May 22, 2010 from 7 a.m.- 3 p.m. at Lake of the Ozarks, MO, to raise funds for Concerns of Police Survivors. Entry Fee: $105.00. Sponsored by Eldon Bassmasters and Missouri Corrections Officers Association. Contact Shelby Thacker at 573-280-3304 for more information. 
Testimonial
"If I can ever be of assistance in anyway in the future, please let me know. I greatly admire C.O.P.S.' work and dedication to survivors. I know for myself personally, C.O.P.S. was a light during my darkest days."
 
Jennifer Silvera
Surviving Spouse of Officer Shawn Silvera, End of Watch 9/6/05
COPSstore
COPSstore
Visit COPSstore for merchandise. Roll Call items are available in several colors of short sleeve t-shirts, long sleeve t-shirts and crew neck and hooded sweatshirts.  All C.O.P.S. and National Police Week merchandise can be found at http://www.COPSstore.com. COPSstore has been your official source for C.O.P.S. merchandise since 1992.
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Concerns of Police Survivors has been awarded the "Best in America" seal of approval from Independent Charities of America.