About Us

The Denver Police Blue Hat Foundation, previously known as the Denver Police Officers Foundation, began in 1999 with a group of good-hearted officers who came together to support Denver police officers. With funding largely from monthly city payroll deductions, donations and fundraising, the Blue Hat Foundation has helped officers and their families since 1999.

In 2024, the Foundation extended its outreach to include professional staff and redefined its programs.

Programs

Financial Assistance

The Denver Police Blue Hat Foundation continues the legacy of founding member Detective JC Tyus and honors the original mission of providing support through financial assistance to active and retired members of the Denver police family in their time of need. In 2024, in honor of Sharon Sekerak’s 50 years as a Career Service employee, outreach was extended to include Professional Staff.

Types of Assistance considered:

Out-of-pocket medical expenses due to a health-related crisis.
Incidental or unanticipated costs associated with a health-related crisis.
The Board of Directors has the flexibility to consider other unexpected hardships and emergencies causing financial strain.
Coverage of an active officer’s health insurance premiums while under suspension for a line-of-duty action until such time as the matter is resolved.

Wellness and Resiliency Support

The Denver Police Blue Hat Foundation sponsors and supports programming and services that promote the physical, mental, and financial health of the employee, their immediate family members and their career. The Blue Hat Foundation believes in the value of developing the skills and providing the tools needed to successfully weather life’s hardships. The Foundation oversees the Family Enrichment Group, offering guidance and support to Denver Police employee family members through social engagement, programming and services.

Compassionate Outreach

Denver police employees who are out for an extended period due to illness or injury are provided support and encouragement through outreach such as cards and flowers to let them know that they are not forgotten during their absence. The Blue Hat Foundation provides recognition in honor of retired officers and professional staff who have passed away by sending plants or donations ‘in lieu of’ at the family’s request.

Community

In addition to our three pillar programs, the Denver Police Blue Hat Foundation enjoys a collaborative relationship with the Office of the Chief of Police, the DPD Community Engagement Bureau, Denver Police employee organizations, the Denver Police Foundation, the Denver Police Museum, and other nonprofit organizations that support law enforcement in providing recognition and support of the men and women of the Department.

Employee Appreciation and Recognition Events

The Blue Hat Foundation partners with the Denver Police Foundation in sponsoring bi-annual award ceremonies and appreciation luncheons hosted by the Community Engagement Bureau.

EVENTS

National Police Week

The Blue Hat Foundation partners with the Denver Police Museum and the Denver Police Foundation in sponsoring the annual Denver Police Memorial along with the Community Engagement Bureau. We also provide financial assistance for Denver police officers and family members of fallen officers to represent the Denver Police Department at the National Police Memorial in Washington D.C.

MEMORIAL

Scholarship

The Blue Hat Foundation oversees the management of the Jaques and Alexisa Bensard Medical Scholarship, which provides financial aid to children and grandchildren of active and retired Denver Police Officers who are seeking post-secondary education in a health or science related field.

SCHOLARSHIP

Board of Directors

The Denver Police Blue Hat Foundation operates under the direction of a Board of Directors composed of community members and representatives from the Denver Police Department. The Board of Directors meet regularly to determine the best means to prioritize and manage the many programs supported by the Foundation.

Feel free to contact the Blue Hat Foundation with any questions or concerns at cdavis@bluehatfoundation.org or contact Executive Director, Catherine Davis at 303-345-8572.

If you are interested in making a donation to help the Foundation’s many causes, visit the Donate page. All donations are tax deductible under the 501(c)(3) provisions of the federal tax code.

Why We Matter

"In 2023, I suffered a major heart attack and required several life-saving procedures. Soon after, the medical bills began arriving and I almost had another heart attack upon seeing what my financial responsibility was after insurance! Additionally, my prescriptions were nearly $800 a month. In no time, I exhausted my HSA and emergency savings. I felt overwhelmed and in need of a lifeline, but I was reluctant to ask for the help. A friend reached out to the Blue Hat Foundation on my behalf. The Foundation was extremely helpful, providing funds to get me to a place where I could pay for my medical bills and prescriptions without being overextended financially. I cannot express my eternal gratitude - it means far more than anyone will ever know."

Active DPD Sergeant Robert Motyka

"When we found out that Frank was going to have major surgery, at St. Joseph downtown, I had planned to get a hotel room where I could rest and regroup every evening as we live an hour away. When the Denver Police Blue Hat Foundation was made aware, by one of Frank's fellow officers ,of our plans, they quickly stepped in and arranged to provide me with very nice accommodations close to the hospital. Having a safe and comfortable place to stay not only allowed me to rest well but also gave Frank peace of mind knowing that I was safe, allowing him to recover and heal. The incidentals, at the hospital, added up quickly and having to pay for a hotel room would have been a big financial burden. The foundation's outpouring of support was a tangible blessing beyond measure.

While the financial help was comforting, the emotional support was just as much. The foundation was quick to reach out to me and offered countless words of encouragement as we walked a very difficult journey. Frank and I will forever be grateful for the big hearted members."

Frank (DPD Detective Retired) and Kristin Harrington

"In 2024, I was involved in a burn incident with burns covering 25% of my body. I was hospitalized for a month and had home health care for a month before returning to limited duty. The toll on my body, mind and spirit was just as difficult as the toll all of it was and remains to be on my family. As the sole working parent, it was also a difficult time for our family financially. With thirty years in law enforcement, I have never been so proud and thankful for my DPD family rallying around us in so many ways. The Blue Hat Foundation was a significant part of our support through encouragement and a financial gift. We are indebted to the foundation for what they have done for us as well as for their continued efforts to help and support others."

Active DPD Technician Todd Gentry

Partners

Help us in our continued mission to support our Denver police family through financial, health and wellbeing programs.

DONATE