West Chandler residents and their citywide neighbors are joining the nation’s law enforcement community with the arrival of a non-profit aimed at providing charitable, financial and educational assistance to officers and their families. Behind the announcement is the Chandler Law Enforcement Association, whose charities unit is an extension of the work it has done to advocate for police officers since 1999.
The initiative was built in part in memory of Officer Jeremy Wilkins, a 23-year law enforcement veteran who died in 2021 after a battle with COVID-19. He is survived by a wife and five children. The program also supports help for the family of Officer Tyler Britt, who died from the same disease. CLEA will partner with community groups that support public safety work to make a difference in the lives of their law enforcement professionals. CLEA’S Wagner said the new chapter is designed to further its support efforts.
“By partnering with our community members and businesses, we will directly benefit the lives of our officers, their families, and our community groups who support law enforcement,” he said. “We provide our officers with the best tools, services, and support systems so they can continue doing great work.”
Specifically, the group’s funds are directed at aiding families with immediate financial assistance after the death of an officer, as well as supporting fallen officers’ children during the holidays. This year, CLEA honored Officer Wilkins and provided support to his family at National Police Week in Washington, D.C., by sending two trustees and members of Wilkins’ team. CLEA Charities was established to provide financial assistance to families of fallen officers and fund opportunities to attend memorial services at the U.S. Capitol.
The organization also provides educational and travel opportunities for Chandler officers and provides scholarship opportunities to youth interested in careers in law enforcement. In addition, CLEA Charities works to provide additional avenues to receive mental health resources for officers and their families. “The opportunities…have opened up our ability to support our officers and reinforce the positive relationships and values of law enforcement in our community,” said Wagner. To donate or find other ways to support CLEA Charities, visit cleacharities. org or email inf o@cleacharities.org.
