On August 29th, Hurricane Katrina hit the Mississippi Gulf Coast with a vengeance and fury that devastated the area in unimaginable ways. The landscape and the people of the area have been forever changed. In the aftermath, it was the men and women of Mississippi’s law enforcement entities that faced the crisis head on. They were survivors themselves who put aside their own personal losses to do the job they were sworn to do, to “protect and serve.” They are proud to do what they do, and will never ask for anything in return. As fellow officers in leadership positions, we have brought the Troopers, Sheriffs and Police groups together and established a charitable fund to raise money for sworn law enforcement officers who have lost their home or had significant damage to their homes. Even though these officers suffered tremendous losses, they did not abandon their duty. They stayed and fought to save others! Now, we feel it is time to help our own.

We need you to do two things to help these brave and unselfish officers. First, help us raise money by sending this letter to and calling potential contributors, including your supporters, suppliers, friends, civic clubs and businesses. Second, go with some of your officers to your local radio or television stations and publicly challenge those in your community to help raise money for this relief fund.

Already our country has turned to the next day’s headline, and we are no longer front page stories. We cannot allow people to forget. Some officers are still living in tents, working in horrific conditions, and continuing to protect and serve as they were sworn to do.

Attorney General Jim Hood and State Auditor Phil Bryant have agreed to help us make sure that the money will be distributed pro rata with zero administrative cost. Of the money collected for this fund, 100% will go back to officers impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Please send checks to the “Mississippi State Troopers and Law Enforcement Relief Fund,” Post Office Box 22871, Jackson, MS 39225 or drop them off at any Trustmark Bank.