About MCSO Memorial Fund
The founding of the MCSO Advisory Posse & Memorial Fund started as a heartfelt idea from Captain John Kleinheinz in 1998. He summarized how this idea came about it in a very poignant speech on the rise of the Advisory Posse and Memorial Fund. For those who missed it, we have done our best to summarize what was so eloquently stated by Captain Kleinheinz.
At the time, Capt. Kleinheinz was a public information officer working for Sheriff Arpaio when a deputy lost his life in the line of duty. In the position he held, Capt. Kleinheinz had many tasks, a few of which included making funeral arrangements as well as working with the families of fallen officers. He quickly learned once the paycheck for the fallen officer stopped, there was anywhere from 60 to 90 days of time prior to the issuance of any life insurance to kick in, leaving the family to fend on their own. As many of us are surely aware, most of our officers lost in these situations are young deputies with young families living paycheck to paycheck and as a result do not have the means to bridge this financial gap. Something had to be done.
Capt. Kleinheinz continued, stating what he saw in his heart was a select group that would be assembled to assist in establishing a memorial fund, anchored by the formation of The Sheriff's Memorial Advisory Posse, established in front of the county board of supervisor's. There were a number of local key businessmen that were chosen such as Al Molina, Ben Brooks and Leroy Schneider, our current commander. Under their leadership, we have been able to increase the memorial fund far beyond the original goal of Capt. Kleinheinz, which was $100,000. This goal has long since been surpassed with the fund now having close to $900,000 and growing.
We now fast forward to the present with by-laws and articles of incorporation established. Since those humble beginnings, we have expanded the scope of the fund to cover fallen officers throughout Arizona. The MCSO Advisor Posse consists of over 260 members and now stands ready to meet other needs as determined by the membership and executive board. We are always working toward helping and supporting those who put their lives on the line, to protect ours.
We give them heartfelt Thanks.
Every penny raised goes directly to the families of the fallen officers. Overhead and direct expenses are taken care of by donations from the MCSO Memorial Posse members themselves in order to assure money is not being expended on anything except that for which it was given. The fund can be used for fallen officers throughout the state of Arizona.
Currently, the MCSO Advisory Posse holds an annual golf tournament fund raiser at the Biltmore Golf Club. Last year, our inaugural tournament was an overwhelmingly success thanks to FIVE posse members who donated the Biltmore Golf Course for our use and have chosen to do so again. The next MCSO Memorial Fund Golf Tournament will be held on November 16, 2012 with information on sponsors and packages coming soon.
We also have a Custom Motorcycle built by a nationally recognized yet, local company, Bourget's Bike Works. This custom bike was specially built for us with sheriff badge rims as well as a fantastic paint job, giving tribute to fallen officers. It will be displayed at Barrett-Jackson; Daytona Bike Week; Laconia; Sturgis; Biketoberfest; Lone Star Rally and many other places. For more information about the bike click here.
Raffle Tickets are $20.00 each or 3 for $50 and can be purchased online by clicking here.
How YOU can Help
You can help anytime by clicking any of the Donate/ Sponsor links throughout the site. You can also participate by going to the chosen Danny's Family Carwash, which Danny Hendon and his family generously provide any time there has been a need to raise funds for a fallen officer. During these carwash events, the Hendon Family offer a given carwash location, all of the staff and all proceeds given toward the fallen officer. No monies are kept by the carwash for any overhead or expenses. Our utmost thanks to Danny Hendon & Family.