The FOP Foundation is here to assist officers who have been displaced by a disaster. During a disaster, officers often need help with food, housing and other necessities. In the past, we have assisted with flooding disasters throughout the United States, fires throughout the West, numerous hurricanes on the East and Gulf coasts, tornadoes all across the country and many other disasters.
To apply for financial assistance as the result of damages caused by a disaster, FOP members may complete and submit this Disaster Relief Financial Assistance Request form.
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Below are just a few examples of disasters and how we provided assistance during such disasters.
Hurricane Florence
Florence came ashore in September 2018 as a Category 1 hurricane but was slow-moving and caused extremely heavy rains, especially in the Carolinas. Close to 36 inches of rain were confirmed in some areas and at least 10 tornadoes were spawned from this storm. The storm caused $24.23 billion in damages and 54 deaths.
FOP disaster assistance came from numerous areas across the country. Members responded to assist by providing meals to feed first responders working in areas without power during this difficult time. Flooding proved the most dangerous situation and many persons had to be rescued from the rising waters. Many areas were without power for an extended period, but our members were there to do their part.
Hurricane Harvey
Harvey was a devastating Category 4 hurricane that made landfall in Texas and Louisiana in August 2017, causing catastrophic flooding and many deaths. It is tied with Katrina as the costliest tropical cyclone on record.
The 63rd FOP Biennial Conference was in session in Nashville when word came about the horrible flooding in Texas from this hurricane. Delegates at the Conference were very generous in their donations to the Foundation to help our members in Texas who were devastated by this storm. The FOP Foundation provided over $50,000 in assistance to help our brothers and sisters through that difficult time. Lodges from around the country sent needed items and volunteered to come and assist in any way possible.
West Virginia Flooding
In June 2016, severe thunderstorms brought up to 10 inches of rain to areas of West Virginia in 12 hours. The storms were classified as a once-in-1,000-years event and produced widespread, destructive flash floods. Forty-four of the 55 counties in West Virginia were placed under a state of emergency. Twenty-three people lost their lives and many officers in the state suffered severe damage to their homes.
The FOP and its members again stepped up and helped our brothers and sisters in need. Over $48,000 was provided to those devastated by these storms. This event demonstrated that you do not need a hurricane or tornado to do horrendous damage to homes and lives.
Hurricane Katrina
When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005, the Foundation responded. We were on the ground immediately with supplies and support for our fellow officers. Many of our officers had themselves lost everything.
The National FOP Foundation not only provided needed food and supplies, but also provided humanitarian and emotional support for these officers. Every cent collected by our Foundation during this disaster was used to support and care for these officers. The National FOP Foundation gave nearly $1 million in response to Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.
“The destruction visited upon the State of Louisiana by Hurricane Katrina is tremendous. But the response of the extended law enforcement family with their offers of help and aid has been equally tremendous.” — Then-National President Chuck Canterbury
Disaster Area Response Team (DART)
In 2020, a separate unit was created to assist members with meals, stabilization and/or remediation of their homes during disasters. Prior to this unit’s establishment, individual state or local lodges had disaster units that responded to help members when disasters struck their areas. This National-based unit is the Fraternal Order of Police DART (Disaster Area Response Team).
