Giving Tuesday is an annual event meant to encourage charity following the Thanksgiving holiday. This year, SoundThinking marked the global day of giving by announcing a heartfelt donation of over $10,000 to the Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP).
About Officer Down Memorial Page
ODMP plays a crucial role in supporting the families of officers and police departments. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, it provides emotional support, assists with benefits, raises awareness about the risks officers face, and honors their sacrifices. Through various events, remembrances, and research initiatives, ODMP keeps the memory of fallen officers alive while contributing to the safety of those still serving.
The need for such an organization is highlighted by sobering statistics: 1,871 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty in the past five years, including over 100 in 2023. All time, ODMP has recorded 26,416 officers who have died while serving their communities. Each of these deaths is a profound tragedy, leaving an indelible mark on families, colleagues, and the communities these officers vowed to protect and serve.
Raising Awareness for ODMP at IACP 2023
The donation stemmed from SoundThinking’s social media campaign to raise awareness of ODMP at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) 2023 conference. Attendees were asked to stop by the company’s booth, take a selfie, and post it on social media with the hashtag #SupportODMP. For every post, the company donated $20 to OMDP, culminating in a maximum possible donation of over $10,000.
A Commitment to Honor and Support
In a check presentation event at SoundThinking’s office in Washington DC, company President and CEO Ralph Clark emphasized the importance of supporting law enforcement officers, their families, and the communities they serve. “[Law enforcement officers] have an ally and…[SoundThinking] is there to help make their communities safer,” he said. “The tremendous sacrifice that so many officers make on behalf of the communities…is incredibly important, so that when we can show up to support them…it means everything.”
Ralph Clark, President and CEO of SoundThinking
Tom Chittum, Senior Vice President of Forensic Services at SoundThinking added: “Our partnership with ODMP is a reflection of our profound respect and commitment to enhancing policing and public safety. This initiative highlights SoundThinking’s dedication to standing with law enforcement officers and their families, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”
What SoundThinking’s Donation Means to OMDP
Like other non-profits, ODMP relies on charitable giving to fund its important work. “We are a nonprofit organization, so all of our resources come from donations and sponsorships and fundraisers, explained Chris Cosgriff, Executive Director of ODMP. We couldn’t fulfill our mission without our corporate partners [and] I want to express my profound gratitude for SoundThinking’s generous donation which will assist ODMP’s work to memorialize fallen officers and also aid our advocacy efforts.”
“OMDP’s mission is more than just creating memorials,” he explained. “We provide a place for officers, survivors, and community members to come and remember their loved one or their coworker or an officer from their community that died in the line of duty. The funds from SoundThinking will help support those missions of creating memorials and [also] doing historic research into fallen officers from the past who may have been forgotten over time.
Chris Cosgriff, Executive Director of ODMP
#SupportODMP
Ultimately, SoundThinking’s donation to ODMP is meant to set a forward-looking example in supporting law enforcement and their families. Let’s continue this momentum – consider contributing to ODMP to help keep the legacy of these brave heroes alive. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who protect and serve our communities.
