The Cleveland Police Foundation’s Reverse Raffle Fundraiser was an evening of fun, fellowship, and support for the CPF.

Read the full issue here.

The following individuals have been nominated for our Community Partners of the Month Award for July 2026 by retired CPD Commander Keith Sulzer, and his statement is as follows:

“Lou Galizio, Nick Mazzone, and the Men of St Rocco’s have helped raise money for the CPF and the 2^nd District for nearly 20 years. They have selflessly sold tickets and donated their time organizing and manning reverse raffles so that our officers and our organization could help kids and families in our community. Most people don’t understand what goes into organizing and running fundraising events, and these men do it effortlessly and generously! Our thanks, goes out to St Rocco’s Church and the Men of St Rocco’s for all they do for those in need.”

It is because of their dedication to our officers, and the kids and families in our community, that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name Lou Galizio, Nick Mazzone and the Men of St Rocco’s our Community Partners of the Month for July 2026.  (Nominated by Keith Sulzer)

– Bob Guttu, CPF

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The Cleveland Police Foundation’s Police Officer of the Month for July 2026 is 2^nd District Patrol Officer Katie Medwid who is a firm believer in and promotes the Community Policing concept. Officer Medwid was nominated by 2^nd District Commander Tim Maffo-Judd who provided the following narrative about this outstanding officer.

“Patrol Officer Katie Medwid is a Community Problem Oriented Policing officer assigned to handle quality-of-life complaints and make community engagement a daily priority. She is assigned to the day shift and is always willing to handle any assignment and is great with the kids in the community. Among many other child-related assignments, she has worked with Honey Nut Ice Cream in Old Brooklyn to reward children she encounters in the neighborhood with ice cream tickets when she sees them wearing a bicycle helmet. This of course promotes safety, as our children ride throughout the summer season. Officer Medwid is a dedicated officer who cares about the community she serves and deserves this recognition.”

It is because of her dedication and devotion to the community she serves that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name Patrol Officer Katie Medwid our Police Officer of the Month for July 2026.

-Submitted by Bob Guttu

Nominated by Commander Tim Maffo- Judd

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National Night out Against Crime A good time was had by all, were the words that best explained the experience folks had that attended the 2^nd District’s National Night Out Against Crime held at Steelyard Commons. Those that attended had the opportunity to speak with representatives from numerous businesses and organizations that set up information booths in the parking lot.

The event was well summarized by Commander Tim Maffo-Judd who stated, “We appreciate all of the residents, families, community partners, volunteers, and first responders, who came out to make the event a success. Events like the National Night Out help strengthen the relationships between law enforcement and the community we proudly serve.”

Thanks to everyone that attended and we hope to see you all next year!

The Cleveland Police Foundation’s Reverse Raffle Fundraiser was recently held at St. Rocco’s in Cleveland, drawing a sold-out crowd for an evening of fun, fellowship, and support for the Cleveland Police Foundation (CPF).

In addition to the traditional reverse raffle, guests enjoyed numerous door prizes, including a big-screen television generously donated by the Graves family. A delicious pasta and meatball dinner was also served, adding to an already fun evening.

Before the raffle numbers were called, CPF recognized three longtime community partners: Lou Galizio, Nick Mazzone, and the Men of St. Rocco’s. Each received a plaque in appreciation of their nearly 20 years of helping raise funds for the Cleveland Police Foundation and the Cleveland Police Department’s 2nd District.

Former CPD Commander Keith Sulzer summed up their contributions perfectly: “Most people don’t understand what goes into organizing and running fundraising events, and these men do it effortlessly and generously.”

A special thank-you also goes out to all the volunteers and everyone who came out to support the event and the mission of the Cleveland Police Foundation. Through the generosity of our community partners and supporters, CPF continues its efforts to build bridges, promote community policing, encourage positive interactions between children and police officers, and enhance the morale, mental health, and overall well-being of our officers.

These dedicated Community Partners played an important role in making the Reverse Raffle a tremendous success. The funds raised through this event and CPF’s other fundraising efforts help the Foundation continue to achieve its goals and fulfill its mission.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible and to all those who continue to support the Cleveland Police Foundation. If you would like to make a donation to CPF, please click here.

The Cleveland Police Foundation was proud to host two outstanding community events this past month – Fishing with Cops and West Denison Baseball Day with the Lake Erie Crushers. Both events brought Cleveland Police Officers and local youth together through fun, memorable experiences that help strengthen trust and build lasting relationships.

Read the full issue here.

The Cleveland Police Foundation’s Police Officer of the Month for June 2026 is P.O. Logan Weber and was nominated by CPD Lieutenant Edward Lentz. The following is the narrative explaining the reason for the nomination:

“P.O. Logan Weber consistently delivers outstanding police service and exemplifies the core principles of community policing. He is known for his unwavering commitment to the Cleveland community and for the dependable support he provides to his fellow officers.

Officer Weber never hesitates to step into difficult or dangerous assignments, demonstrating exceptional courage, professionalism, and a strong sense of duty. He approaches every situation with compassion and integrity, ensuring that no community member is left without help. His colleagues rely on him because he is always ready to assist, collaborate, and lead when needed.

In addition to his exemplary service on duty, Officer Weber has made a meaningful and lasting impact through his involvement with the Cleveland Police Foundation’s Fishing with Cops program over the past two years. During these events, he has built strong, positive relationships with Cleveland youth by mentoring them one-on-one teaching them how to rig fishing lures, bait hooks, cast lines, and catch fish, all while engaging them in genuine, encouraging conversation. After the fishing wraps up, he helps prepare and serve food so every child leaves with a full belly, a sense of belonging, and unforgettable memories.

His dedication, reliability, and service-first mindset make him an invaluable asset to the department and a trusted guardian of the community.”

I wholeheartedly concur with this write-up on Officer Weber, especially concerning the Fishing with Cops event that I have been in charge of for the past 10 years. Officer Weber and Lieutenant Lentz have become a very important part of this event and not only help the kids catch the fish but also how to clean and cook them. Thank you both for making the events a success.

It is because of his dedication to his fellow officers and the children in the community that the Cleveland Police Foundation is indeed honored to name P.O. Logan Weber its Police Officer of the Month for June 2026.

-Submitted by Bob Guttu

Nominated by CPD Lieutenant Ed Lentz

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The Cleveland Police Foundation was proud to host two outstanding community events this past month, bringing Cleveland Police Officers and local youth together through fun, memorable experiences that help strengthen trust and build lasting relationships.

Fishing with Cops – July 14

On Tuesday, July 14, the Cleveland Police Foundation hosted its annual Fishing with Cops event at Blue Heron Preserve in conjunction with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. The program brought Cleveland Police officers, the Mounted Unit, Motorcycle Unit, and Apollo the CPD therapy K-9, together with local youth for a relaxing day of fishing, conversation, and mentorship in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Throughout the day, officers and participants shared stories, learned fishing techniques, and built meaningful connections away from the everyday environment. To help encourage continued interest in the outdoors, each participating youth received a fishing rod and reel, and backpack filled with fishing gear to take home.

Events like Fishing with Cops demonstrate the Foundation’s commitment to creating positive interactions between law enforcement and the young people they serve.

West Denison Baseball Day with the Lake Erie Crushers – July 19

On Sunday, July 19, the Cleveland Police Foundation partnered with the Lake Erie Crushers to host players ages 6 to 12 from the West Denison Baseball League for a special day at ForeFront Stadium. The event provided young athletes and their families with an opportunity to connect with Cleveland Police Officers while enjoying an exciting day at the ballpark.

Before the game, Cleveland Police Officers from the Mounted Unit and Motorcycle Unit spent time meeting with players and their families, answering questions, demonstrating their specialized equipment, and providing opportunities for photos and conversation.

Each participating youth received complimentary game tickets, food, and a baseball to collect autographs from the Lake Erie Crushers players following the game. The excitement continued as the players took the field to play catch before the game, formed the rally tunnel to welcome the Crushers players during team introductions, and capped off the evening by running the bases before meeting the Crushers players for an autograph session.

The Cleveland Police Foundation’s June 2026 Community Partners of the Month are Zeina Meslat and Firas Haykal of the Boaz Cafe located in Ohio City and specializing in Mediterranean food. These two individuals make it their mission to treat customers with respect and courtesy all while serving delicious food.

This respect and courtesy also extends to the law enforcement community as they have for the second year in a row supported the Officer Down Softball Tournament held on July 25, at Brookside Park in Cleveland Ohio. Their generosity and commitment will help benefit the family of fallen Lorain P.D. Officer Phillip Wagner, as did the families of CPD Officer Ritter and Euclid PD Officer Derbin benefitted last year.

I spoke with tournament director Todd Walsh who stated ” Zeina and Firas of the Boaz Cafe were honored to once again support our Officer Down Tournament and wanted to thank the Cleveland Police Foundation for recognizing their efforts.” It is because of their commitment to the community and our Heroes in Blue that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name Zeina Meslat and Firas Haykal of the Boaz Cafe, our Community Partners of the Month for June 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