The Burbank Police Foundation contributes to, and partners with, numerous charities, community groups and organizations. To help us better serve you and this beautiful city we share, please join us in our mission to enhance police and community services. We appreciate your financial support, as well as donations of time and talent. Below are some of our most cherished philanthropic activities.
Arrive Alive
The Burbank Police Foundation is committed to the future leaders of our community. The BPF developed a program, along with the local High Schools to bring awareness to attentive driving and anit-drinking and driving. We are committed to putting an end to the tragedies that occur as a result of dangerous behaviors. The program is a powerful presentation and aims to teach the importance of making good choices. To learn more, click here.
Bocce Ball Tournament
The Burbank Police Foundation Bocce Ball Tournament is a fundraising event to support the Matthew Pavelka Scholarship Awards Program. The Purpose of the Matthew Pavelka Scholarship Fund is to provide an award for high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding effort in pursuit of a vocational or educational goal, to motivate students to dedicate themselves more thoroughly and responsibly to their education or training and to encourage students to strive for excellence and distinction in whatever they undertake. In the process, we hope to give back to the community which supports us, aw well as keep Matt’s memory alive. To Learn more, click here.
Burbank Police Foundation Annual Awards Luncheon
The Burbank Police Foundation Awards Luncheon is a time to honor and recognize the outstanding achievements of the men and women of the Burbank Police Department and our community. To get more information on dates and how you can become a sponsor for this event, click here.
Downed Officers Program
The Downed Officers’ Program was established to support families of fallen officers and to honor our heroes for their service and the ultimate sacrifice they made while serving and protecting their community. The BPF is committed to providing $500 to support the family of every fallen officer in California. To learn more about this program, click here.
Family Fun Day
The Burbank Police Foundation’s annual Hoof and Woof Walk has been reinvented as Family Fun Day! This fun community event is a great way for everyone to show their community pride and support our Department’s K9 and mounted units. People and pets are welcome! To get more details about this event, click here.
Matthew Pavelka Scholarship Awards Program
The Matthew Pavelka Scholarship Awards Program was established in honor of Burbank Police Officer Matthew Pavelka, who was killed in the line of duty on November 15, 2003. Scholarships are awarded to high-school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding effort in pursuit of an educational or vocational goal. The purpose is to motivate students to dedicate themselves more thoroughly and responsibly to their education and training, to encourage them to strive for excellence and distinction in whatever field they choose. To learn more or download a scholarship form, click here.
National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which the date falls as Police Week. The National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial is located in Washington, DC and is the nation’s monument to law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. Dedicated on October 15, 2001, the Memorial honors federal, state and local law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of our nation and its people. Currently, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge in Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have given their lives. Attendees come from departments throughout the world, creating a unique opportunity to meet others who share the common bond and observe the brotherhood of Law Enforcement in action. The Burbank Police Foundation is honored to participate in the NLEOM week by sponsoring two members of the Burbank Police Officers’ Association to attend. To get more details about this event, click here.
BDP Programs
The Burbank Police Foundation supports Burbank Police Department operations and supplements public safety initiatives. We fund needed programs, training and technology that might otherwise go unfunded.
Explorer Program
The Explorer Program is geared toward providing academic and technical training for aspiring youth. Instruction focuses on developing team-building and leadership skills, as well as the self-discipline necessary to become successful community leaders. The Explorers experience law enforcement operations through training, practical experience, competitions and other activities. By supporting The Explorer Program, you are helping to mentor and prepare future police officers and community leaders. Thank you to everyone who supports our Explorer Program!
K-9 Program
Patrol K-9’s are chosen for their drive and endurance. They have to be strong hunters, and formidable fighters for self-preservation and for the defense of their handler. K-9’s are expected to find the suspect(s), as well as any narcotics and/or paraphernalia the suspect(s) may be concealing or have discarded. K-9’s are expected to find and hold their prey, biting only when necessary and instructed. They are expected to behave in a socially acceptable manner when attending community events. The first dog was a dual-purpose K-9, trained to find people and narcotics, and it cost the city a mere $100 to purchase. By 1986, the cost of a K-9 was approximately $5,000 each. Today, the cost to purchase a specialty K-9, such as a bomb sniffing dog, is upwards of $30,000. The Burbank Police Department currently has two K-9’s. The Burbank Police Foundation’s Family Fun Day (formerly the annual Hoof & Woof Walk) is a fun community event, the proceeds for which benefit the K-9 and Mounted Units. To learn more about our K-9 Program, click here.