100 Club is worthy organization

Question: What is the 100 Club in Arizona? I am interested in becoming a member. Does the Peoria Police Officers Association think it is a good organization?

Answer: First of all, I have to answer the second question three times over: Yes, yes and yes.

The PPOA supports the 100 Club as well as Survivor Help Network. Both organizations are top-notch. Through both, much-needed assistance has been provided to my brothers and sisters in law enforcement as well as the Fire Department.

I could not begin to tell you how great the people are who run these organizations. Their numerous selfless acts have helped many families of great fallen and injured heroes of this fine state. Both have great Web sites. But now I will answer your first question.

The mission of the 100 Club of Arizona is to provide financial assistance to families of public-safety officers and firefighters who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty and to provide resources to enhance their safety and welfare. This now includes public- safety officers and firefighters who are activated to full-time military status.

The 100 Club was formed in 1965 by a group of Phoenix businessmen when two officers were killed in the line of duty. In 1968, the 100 Club was incorporated as a non-profit organization to provide $1,000 to assist the families of Valley police officers killed in the line of duty. In 2002, the 100 Club expanded its support to all public-safety officers and firefighters in Arizona.

The 100 Club also provides funds to purchase equipment to enhance the safety of public-safety officers and firefighters. It has a team dedicated to assist when any life-altering event takes place in the lives of our public-safety officers.

Professional education assistance and scholarships are provided to family members of public-safety officers and firefighters. Club members network with community corporations, companies and other non-profit services to support the needs of public-safety families. They offer Wills for Heroes, which provides free wills to first responders.

The 100 Club has provided benefits totaling more than $2.7 million to more than 600 families of public-safety officers and firefighters.

To become a member of the 100 Club, you can sign up for an individual membership of $150 a year or $250 a year for joint membership. Corporate memberships start at $500 a year and up.

The 100 Club also accepts donations in any amount.

If you are interested in becoming a member or learning more about the 100 Club, go online to www.100club.org or call 602 485-0100.

Jim Cousins, president of the Peoria Police Officers Association, answers questions about public safety. E-mail questions to askacop@q.com. Because of the number of queries, it may be several weeks before your question is addressed.