DPD Sergeant Demetrick Pennie Hosts 4th Annual Police Survivors' Dinner

DALLAS, Dec. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Dallas Police Sergeant Demetrick Pennie and the Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation held their 4^th Annual Police Survivors' Dinner at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas. This event was attended by several business owners, police survivor families and law enforcement professionals. The key note speakers for the event were Captain Chad Fleming (U.S. Army Ranger) and Detective Ed Dolan (President of the Jersey City Police Detective's Benevolent Association).

Despite the poor weather conditions, the event was a resounding success. Over 110 guests arrived at the hotel to show their support for the police survivors. There were families and supporters from across the United States including: California, New Jersey and Florida. During the event, 18 families were honored by the Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation and the Texas Fallen Officer Foundation.

The event served two primary purposes: (1) to honor the families of fallen officers and (2) to act as a toy drive. More than 100 toys were collected and donated to the Cancer Center at Children's Hospital by members of the Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation.

Ed Dolan opened the dinner by honoring the families and expressing his sincere gratitude for their service and sacrifice. Dolan acknowledged that although many police benevolent groups exist around the country, not many of them celebrate the families of fallen officers like the Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation. He commended Sgt. Pennie for his advocacy work and supportive efforts in Dallas and across the country.

The keynote speaker of the event was Captain Chad Fleming (U.S. Army Ranger). He gave a powerful speech about his career as a deputy sheriff and subsequent transition into the military. Captain Fleming discussed his hardships on the battle field while emphasizing his "Never Quit" message. He captivated the audience in describing how he continued to fight his way back to the battlefield, even after losing his leg and being shot several times. He told the families that even though he lost a leg in battle, their loved ones were the true heroes!

"This was truly an amazing event", Sgt. Pennie said. "We spared no expense in organizing this event to show our support for these families. They have suffered tremendously. It is important that they know we have not forgotten about them." The event provided the families with an elegant dinner, an overnight stay at the resort, tickets to view the ice sculpture exhibit, professional photographs, gifts, and special access to a social outing with the Spazmatics band.

The top sponsors and donors for the event included: Benchmark Mortgage, Pollo Regio, Cook Construction, Texas Legends, Grunt Style, El Rancho Restaurants, Allstate Insurance, Crawfish For Cops, Texas Stands United, Dallas Bourbon Club, M2 Auto, Oak Meadows Ranch, Best Buy and Champion Security.

This event set the standard for future events. Each year the Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation plans to host other premier events for the families including: dinner cruises, private access to professional sporting events, and other family outings to provide the families with opportunities to socialize and destress during the holiday season.  For sponsors who wish to be a part of these events, please contact: admin@dallasfof.org or call: (214) 733-7897.

Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation is a 501(c)3, police support organization designed to assist the families of police officers killed or critically injured in the line of duty. Please note that 100% of all donations made directly to the foundation goes towards its mission.     

Media Contact: PR Team, Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation, (214) 733-7897, Admin@dallasfof.org

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SOURCE Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation