12/13/2010
Simi Valley Police Foundation Announces 2010 Donations to Police Department

The Simi Valley Police Foundation donated nearly $60,000 for unfunded programs of the Simi Valley Police Department during 2010. The Foundation has provided more than $1 million in financial support to the Simi Valley Police Department for unfunded programs, services and technology since 1997.

“Over $57,000 is huge in my book,” said Simi Valley Police Chief Mike Lewis. “Thank you so much for all that you do as volunteers in support of the efforts of your Police Department,” Lewis told the board.

The 2010 funding allocations included:

• Communication Center Treadmill Workstation, $2,915
• Parent Project Workbooks for at-risk youth, $1,345
• Station Tour “Activity Patches” for Boy & Girl Scouts, $550
• Uniforms for SVPD Citizen Volunteers, $6,500
• K-9 supplies and training equipment, $1,067
• Crime Prevention, “National Night Out” Program and Halloween Safety Program, $1,000
• Equipment for 16 SWAT Team members, $15,537
• Every 15 Minutes teen driving safety program, $2,500

During 2010 the Foundation paid $18,600 for the department to acquire Titan, a specially trained police dog that is the newest addition to the K-9 unit. To date the Foundation has purchased 11 dogs for the police department at an average cost of $15,000 each.

In August the Foundation paid nearly $16,000 to purchase life-saving ballistic armor for the 16-member SWAT team. The lighter weight front and back level IV Triton ballistic plates can withstand high-powered ammunition.

One of the team’s members told the Foundation, “Our families and our wives thank you for keeping us safe.”

According to Chief Lewis, the police department has endured three consecutive years of budget cuts due to the ailing state economy. For the 2010-2011 fiscal years the budget is down about $2.1 million.

In November, the Foundation launched its first ever donation campaign timed to coincide with year-end giving. There is still time to make a last-minute gift in order to maximum itemized deductions on tax returns.

“The men and women of the Simi Valley Police Department put their lives on the line to protect and serve us every day,” said Foundation President Alan Barkwill. “Please help us help them keep Simi Valley safe.”