INFORMATION

Welcome to THE GASTONIA POLICE FOUNDATION WEBSITE

The Gastonia Police Foundation (GPF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that assists the Gastonia Police Department (GPD) in their endeavor to increase excellence in policing while facilitating tangible, positive change in the community. We do this by providing support and funds for equipment, programs and events which are not included in the police department's budget.

Our goal is a safer Gastonia for those who live in, work in and visit our city.

Newsflash

Police Monument and Commemorative Park

Press Release

Gastonia Police Foundation,

Police Monument and Commemorative Park

Contacts:

Captain C.E. Lifford, Executive Director, Gastonia Police Foundation

Rob Collis, President, Gastonia Police Foundation

The Gastonia Police Department was founded in 1877, and over the past 133 years nine officers have fallen while in the line of duty. When the police headquarters opened in 1997 at 200 E. Long Ave., agency leaders had the dream of creating a monument in their memory. The Gastonia Police Foundation would like to make that dream come true by creating a police memorial park in front of the agency headquarters along the new Carolina Thread Trail currently under construction.The Gastonia Police Foundation is a group of concerned community members who have partnered with the agency to help it achieve its goals to provide better outreach to citizens. Started with a grant from the Community Foundation, the group has helped sponsor events such as the GREAT Gastonia Kids Camp, promotional material for the Gang of One Gaston, and a police family day.

The creation of a police memorial and park is the most ambitious project to date. Rob Collis, President of the GPF, plans to dedicate the park on September 11, 2011, in honor of the 10 year anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Groundbreaking is scheduled for March 2011.The monument and park are not just to remember the officers who have fallen but to appreciate the service provided by the officers each day. Chief Tim Adams said, “I wanted the statue at the corner of Oakland and Long Avenue so every officer going to and from work would pass by and be reminded to be safe and return home to their families.”

The Foundation has established a fundraising goal of $150,000 to create the park. City planning designed the layout and City employees will perform the labor. Other organizations such as the Rotary Club of Gastonia have provided grant funding to pay for landscaping and beautification.To raise funds, the foundation members are pursuing a variety of revenue sources such as private donations, and grants from other organizations. One way everyone can join the effort is through the purchase of bricks that will display a personalized message. A 4 x 8 brick can be dedicated for a $100 donation and an 8 x 8 brick is available for a $500 contribution.

For more information or to purchase a brick please call (704) 869-1990 or click here for a form.

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