Officer’s injuries sparks Manassas City Police Association fundraising and awareness campaigns

The Manassas City Police Association and the Manassas City Police Charitable Foundation, Inc† have been charged with coordinating a public awareness and fundraising campaign in response to the recent tragedy involving Manassas City Police Officer Heather Munsterman, who was injured in the line of duty on Saturday, July 13, 2013 (for a copy of the original release, visit http://www.manassascity.org/pressroom).

Following the incident and Officer Munsterman’s subsequent hospitalization, countless community members have expressed their gratitude for Officer Munsterman’s unyielding service and come forward with an eagerness to assist in her recovery by raising funds and awareness about driving safety.

First, on behalf of the Manassas City Police Association and the Manassas City Police Charitable Foundation, Inc, I would like to thank those members of the community who, in a community already saturated with volunteerism, have reached out and offered to serve yet another cause.  Secondly, I would like to invite the public to take part in a public service campaign designed to help coordinate your grassroots efforts.

On Monday, July 22, 2013, a newly formed Committee of the Association, composed of volunteers from the community, local business partners, and representatives from law enforcement agencies throughout the region, convened to formulate a mission for this considerable initiative.

The Committee established three goals for the campaign, which is to take place throughout Manassas over the course of several weeks.  They are:
1)    To support Officer Munsterman directly by raising funds to offset medical and other expenses she incurs on her road to recovery;
2)    To raise community awareness about the dangers of texting while driving and the importance of the “Move Over, Slow Down” state law in place to protect first responders; and
3)    To create a fund for officers injured in the line of duty.

To achieve these goals, the Committee will host a number of events to engage the community, rally support for Heather’s recovery, educate the general public on issues related to road safety, and establish an avenue through which community members may donate funds to benefit Officer Munsterman.

The campaign will kick off on Saturday, August 3, 2013 with “Hopes 4 Heather”, a 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament and Shoot-Out at the Manassas Boys and Girls Club.  Following this event, there will be two fundraising events on Saturday, August 17, 2013 at Raise the Bar Strength & Conditioning and Old Town Sports Pub in Manassas.

For more information about these and other upcoming events, visit the Official Manassas City Police Association Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manassas-City-Police-Association/179871488852929?ref=br_tf.

To sponsor or participate in any of these events, contact the Police Association President, T.J. Rodriquez, at (703) 257-8033 or email the Manassas City Police Association at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Direct donations may be mailed to:
Manassas City Police Charitable Foundation, Inc
c/o Officer Heather Munsterman Fundraiser Benefit Program
9518 Fairview Ave
Manassas, VA 20110

Checks should be made payable to:
Manassas City Police Charitable Foundation, Inc
(Memo line: Officer Heather Munsterman Fundraiser Benefit Program)

Through its participation in this immense campaign and its numerous events, I have every reason to believe that the Manassas community will pull together on Officer Munsterman’s behalf to show their support for her recovery, and to promote safety for citizens and first responders everywhere.  On behalf of the Association and Charitable Foundation, I welcome you to take part in this vital effort.