SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 31, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The TASER Foundation for Fallen Officers today announced it has provided grants to more than 500 families of officers tragically killed in the line of duty. With the issuance of three grants this week, the TASER Foundation now has provided 503 grants since its inception in November 2004. Over the past three years, the TASER Foundation has provided over $1,800,000 in direct financial assistance to the families of fallen officers.
"The sad reality is that we continue to have law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty," said Gerry Hills, Executive Director of the TASER Foundation. "The TASER Foundation's mission is to honor these fallen heroes by providing financial and educational support to their families. Our goal is to provide financial assistance that acts as a bridge between an officer's income and their long term benefits."
Grants are made payable directly to the officer's beneficiary, but coordinated through the officer's department to ensure the family's privacy. In most cases a grant request is processed within 24 hours of receipt. The funds may be used at the families' discretion to address their immediate needs.
The wife of a fallen officer from the Illinois State Police put it best when she wrote, "What a tremendous gift you have given us during our time of need. Due to benefit requirements and paperwork, our family will be without my husband's income for several weeks. You have completely eliminated the stress and burden of where will the money come from."
TASER International, Inc (Nasdaq:TASR) bears all the administrative costs for the TASER Foundation, with 100% of donations to the Foundation going directly to the families. The public can help support The TASER Foundation mission for these fallen heroes by donating on-line at www.TASERFoundation.org.
About the TASER Foundation
The TASER Foundation for Fallen Officers is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with tax exempt status from the IRS. It was established in November 2004 with the mission to honor the service and sacrifice of local and federal law enforcement officers in the United States and Canada lost in the line of duty by providing financial support to their families. It is the only organization that provides direct financial benefits to families of fallen officers from federal, state/province, county, and local law enforcement organizations in the United States and Canada.
For further information contact Gerry Hills, Executive Director of the TASER Foundation at Gerry@TASER.com or call 602-326-6176. Visit the TASER Foundation website at www.TASERFoundation.org for facts and video.
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