One of the major mission pillars of the Cleveland Police Foundation (CPF) is police office morale, wellness, and support of the officer and family members.

CPF believes that a strong, resilient law enforcement community benefits everyone. That’s why much of our work focuses on supporting morale and wellness.

Read the full issue here.

One of the major mission pillars of the Cleveland Police Foundation (CPF) is police office morale, wellness, and support of the officer and family members.

CPF believes that a strong, resilient law enforcement community benefits everyone. That’s why much of our work focuses on supporting morale and wellness.

Officer Morale and Wellness
Our officers dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe, often facing high-stress situations and physical and emotional challenges. Supporting them means investing in their well-being. This year, our fundraising supported programs designed to reduce job-related stress, including mindfulness and self-awareness classes, empathy training, yoga sessions, and mental and physical health resources.

One highlight of fostering morale and camaraderie is the Guardians of Hope, a Cleveland Police softball team that brings officers and their families together. Families come out to watch the games, cheer on their loved ones, and share in the fun—creating a supportive environment that strengthens bonds, encourages teamwork, and provides a positive outlet for stress. Through these moments, officers recharge, connect with their families, and enjoy well-deserved time with their community.  Last year, they also held baseball clinics for kids in the West Denison Baseball League. The Guardians of Hope also play a critical role by raising funds for injured and fallen officers. They provide tangible support to colleagues in need, demonstrating how teamwork and dedication can make a real difference in the lives of officers and their families.

Another aspect of supporting officer wellness is working with the Employee Assistance Unit (EAU) of the Division of Police.  The EAU is a specialized unit composed of sworn officers providing confidential, 24/7 support, peer counseling, and resources for mental health, trauma, and personal issues to our officers and their families. Led by experienced personnel, the unit manages critical incident stress, offers wellness programs like yoga and therapy, and aids with professional or personal crisis.

And, a significant CPF component is the Heroes Fund which assists the families of officers killed in the line of duty, and officers with duty-related health issues with direct financial support. Our officers are encouraged to contact the Cleveland Police Foundation to keep us apprised of any CPD member who has fallen in the line of duty or injured in performing their daily duties. This fund was started by a young girl’s lemonade stand in Cleveland’s 2^nd District when one of their district officers was diagnosed with ALS and it became her mission to assist him financially.

Your Support Makes a Difference –
These programs represent more than initiatives – they are investments in the people who protect and uplift our community every day. With your generosity, we can continue expanding wellness programs, strengthen officer camaraderie, and honor heroes while supporting those in need. Together, we create a safer, stronger, and more resilient community for all.

Support our officers in helping others in need; go to www.clevelandpolicefoundation.org/donate.

The annual Police Unity Tour brings hundreds of officers from across the country for four-day fundraising bicycle ride from Florham Park, NJ to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. to honor those who have died in the line of duty.

Team Greater Cleveland consists of 22 officers from Cleveland, Brooklyn Heights, Euclid, Macedonia, Richfield, Westlake, State Fire Marshall and Mrs. Ritter (Jamieson).

Sadly, it’s the only memorial that grows. Our CPD officers each ride for one of our fallen officers.

Learn more and donate today.

This month’s Police Officers of the Month are Patrol Officer Seth Mercer and Patrol Officer Edward Galewood who placed themselves in danger to save the life of another. Upon arrival, as they walked down to Perkins Beach they observed a female sitting on the ice. As they approached her, she stood up and started to run farther out on the lake where the ice was thinning out. The officers then began running after the female to prevent her from getting out far enough on the lake to fall through the ice.

After catching up with her, they grabbed her to prevent her from putting herself into further danger at which time she dropped her body weight and refused to get off the ice. Believing the ice may not hold all of their weight and for the female’s safety, they dragged the female to a thicker portion of the ice at which time she willingly got to her feet and they escorted her to shore.

The female was conveyed to Metro Health where the officers learned she was being treated for anxiety and depression and on medication for both. It is because of their compassion for another in need that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name Patrol Officer Seth Mercer and Patrol Officer Edward Galewood our Police Officers of the Month for February 2026.

-Bob Guttu, CPF

Donate today and help those who serve

Your gift supports compassion in action through officer wellness, youth engagement, and community outreach across Cleveland.

Donate to the Foundation

The Cleveland Police Foundation is proud to recognize the United Parcel Service Middleburgh Heights Team as our February 2026 Community Partner of the Month. For the past three years, the UPS Team has generously supported the Cleveland Police Foundation through their donations and commitment to our mission. Their continued partnership helps us extend our impact and better serve our Cleveland Police Foundation Charities who rely on our support. We are especially excited to grow this relationship even further as the UPS Team looks to become even more involved through volunteering at upcoming events. Partnerships like this demonstrate the power of community collaboration, and we are grateful for UPS’s dedication to giving back.

It is because of their commitment to our mission that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name the United Parcel Service Middleburgh Heights Team our Community Partner of the Month for February 2026.

– Bob Guttu, CPF

Nominated by Kathy Heigle CPF

Donate today and help those who serve

Your gift supports compassion in action through officer wellness, youth engagement, and community outreach across Cleveland.

Donate to the Foundation

The Cleveland Police/ Cleveland Fire basketball game was held March 7, at the Mt. Carmel Gymnasium. A large and enthusiastic crowd was on hand to cheer for their favorite team. At one point the game was tied, but at game’s end the firefighters came out on top with a score of 74-56. A big thanks to all the players that participated and there was discussion about a rematch in the near future.

– Bob Guttu, CPF

Donate today and help those who serve

Your gift supports compassion in action through officer wellness, youth engagement, and community outreach across Cleveland.

Donate to the Foundation

Twelve years ago, Dick Clough joined the CPF Board. This month, he steps down as Chairman, leaving behind a Foundation that’s stronger and ready for what’s next. We’re honoring his legacy alongside Officers Fitchwell and Kane, who got a family and their pets out of a burning house with about 30 seconds to spare.

Read the full issue here

Congratulations to Officer McCormick on being named the Second District’s Officer of the Month for January. Officer McCormick is highly motivated, versatile in his duties, and consistently willing to take on additional responsibilities. His dedication to the community policing philosophy is unparalleled, and he effectively instills these values in the new officers he is assigned to train. Officer McCormick accomplishes all of this while being assigned to Patrol and managing a high volume of calls for service. He also played a key role in de‑escalating a barricaded suspect who had threatened to harm officers and himself, resulting in a safe surrender without incident or injury. Join us in congratulating Officer McCormick on a job well done!

Cleveland Police officers from across the city were invited to play a game of basketball with the kids and staff from Willson School this past Friday. It was a very competitive matchup, however my alma mater came out on top 33-30.

The Second District called it “a close game” and thanked Willson School and the Cleveland Police Foundation for making it an annual event.

Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to all that participated.

– Bob Guttu, CPF

Donate today and help those who serve

Your gift supports compassion in action through officer wellness, youth engagement, and community outreach across Cleveland.

Donate to the Foundation