The Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation was the shared vision of Police Chief Tom Reddin and Founder of the Memorial Foundation, John J. McMahon. Chief Reddin identified a need for a non-profit organization designed to provide emergency financial assistance to LAPD Officers and their immediate families in their times of greatest need. Of primary concern was the funding of funeral costs for LAPD Officers killed in the line of duty, as well as the future educational expenses for their surviving minor, dependent children. Chief Reddin and his successor, Chief Edward M. Davis, believed businesses and community members would support such an organization as an expression of their appreciation of the men and women of the LAPD.
In 1972, the Memorial Foundation incorporated and was recognized as a 501c (3) tax-exempt organization. As the Memorial Foundation grew, eligibility was expanded to include all full-time, active and permanent members of the LAPD and their immediate family members. Thus began the use of the oft used term, “LAPD Family.”
Since its inception, the Memorial Foundation has provided more than $20,000,000 in funding. The donor-supported Memorial Foundation’s far-reaching impact includes many thousands of grants that have greatly aided the LAPD Family.