In a late August Board Meeting, the C.O.P.S. National Board approved the new position of Director of National Outreach to relieve the soon-to-be-hired Chief Executive Officer of the heavy travel requirements that fell on the current Executive Director.  While the search for the Chief Executive Officer progresses, Jennifer Thacker, w/KY/1998 and the Immediate Past National President, has been named to serve as the Director of National Outreach. "We believe we have found the perfect person to give out those 'warm fuzzies' that the survivors will be looking for when Suzie Sawyer departs. Jennifer will also be finding herself on a plane during most of her work hours to continue C.O.P.S.' cultivation of donors, prospective donors, police groups, and victims organizations," said Linda Gregory, C.O.P.S. National President.  Now serving as a staff member, Jennifer Thacker will resign her position as Immediate Past President and Mrs. Jean Hill will return to the C.O.P.S National Board.  Jennifer will start her new job on Sunday, September 5, and will be attending the Siblings Retreat as her first official trip. 
 
Information on the position of Chief Executive Officer for C.O.P.S. is on the National C.O.P.S. website, www.nationalcops.org.  There is a job description and work skills/knowledge requirements for applicants.  The Transition Committee of the Board will be accepting applications until October 20, 2010.  

In-Laws Retreat- October 15-18, 2010- Potosi, MO

Registration Deadline: September 15, 2010

Parents Retreat- October 29- November 1, 2010- Little Rock, AR

Registration Deadline: September 29, 2010

This year, C.O.P.S. Kids Camp had the highest number of survivors in attendance with 229 campers; there were 135 surviving children and 94 surviving parents or guardians.

Upcoming C.O.P.S. retreats are also expected to set records! Last year the Siblings retreat had 64 attendees and this year 95 are registered to attend. In 2009, Spouses Retreat had 90 attend; this year there are 105 registered. And for the inaugural Affected Co-Workers Retreat 40 have registered! 

Look for upcoming information on C.O.P.S. new LED candle to use for the holiday Project Blue Light!

Every year Concerns of Police Survivors encourages law enforcement families, friends, and law enforcement agencies to decorate in blue lights for the coming holiday season. By placing one blue light in a window of your home, you'll be showing your support for officers killed in the line of duty and those who continue to work America's streets.

This year, Concerns of Police Survivors' largest corporate sponsor, Streamlight®, has created a blue candle with a blue light in support of Project Blue Light. Order information will be in the next email newsletter.

The 6th annual COPS Walk will bring together 132 survivors and members of the law enforcement community to take on the challenge of walking 25 miles in two days. All registered walkers must raise $1,000 to support Concerns of Police Survivors. To help the dedicated walkers reach this goal visit http://www.razoo.com/story/Cops-Walk-2010 and read the survivors' inspirational stories and why they are raising funds for the COPS Walk. The COPS Walk will be held October 9-10, 2010, along the scenic and historic C&O Canal from Virginia through Maryland and into West Virginia, with participants walking 12.5 miles a day. 

Would you like to help raise money for COPS Walk 2010 but just can't get out of bed to be there?

This year "sleep walkers" are welcomed. They are required to raise $1,000 and will receive the COPS Walk 2010 participants' gift, a pillow case for their bed, and the personal satisfaction of knowing they are helping to rebuild shattered lives.   
Visit C.O.P.S.' website www.nationalcops.org for more information on the organization or to support the 2010 COPS Walk. Or visit www.razoo.com to support your favorite walker in the COPS Walk 2010.

C.O.P.S. Scholarship Application- Winter/Spring Semester -Application is due September 30th.

For questions, please call 301-952-0063 or 1-877-VICTIM-1.

"I received my engraved coin with my brother's name on it from C.O.P.S. I was surprised when I opened it and saw what it was. I continue to miss my brother quite a bit, but having C.O.P.S. and all the support they have given me since his death has meant the world to me. It has given me hope... being with everyone is uplifting and gave me inner peace. It's an amazing feeling to just be with others who know what you are going through. Life will never be the same, but it will continue. Thank you."

Kathy Thompson, surviving sibling of Sgt. Paul Starzyk, Martinez (CA) Police Department, End of Watch September 6, 2008