Hello members and friends!
My name is Jon Busby. As the new president of the Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation, I would like to introduce myself and share some information about me and my thoughts regarding this organization and what we are about. I have been a strong supporter of Law Enforcement from the time I was a small boy. My father was a pilot, volunteering to fly his plane for the Sheriff’s Department Aero Squadron when they needed his assistance. During that same time period, my father taught my siblings and I to respect Law Enforcement for what they do and stand for and I always have.
A few years ago, Tom Sheets, past president, recruited me as a member and later asked me to serve on the Board of Directors. There was no hesitation or regrets on my part, then, or today. I consider it a privilege to be a part of supporting all 29 Law Enforcement Agencies throughout Kern County and providing them with things they need to do their job, but not always available through their budget processes. Since becoming a member, I have had an opportunity to serve on many of the Foundation’s committees with other members to accomplish the tasks that make the organization so successful.
Basically, we have two primary events that we host each year. We have the fall luncheon, an event that brings supporters and representatives from most of Kern County’s law enforcement agencies and business leaders together to recognize the accomplishments of our Law Enforcement Officer’s and community leaders. The quality of our guest speakers is second to none, while the event also provides a venue for interaction.
Another event, perhaps our most important, is the “Officer of the Year Awards Dinner” where we recognize the accomplishments and actions of some of Kern County’s finest. These officers are recognized for excellent police work sustained over a long period of time or a single act, many times involving an act of valor. It is also a time to recognize some of the citizens in Kern County that have made a significant contribution to help others in some way. We also use this event to award scholarships to students who have expressed a desire to pursue a career in the field of law enforcement.
Additionally, we have a couple of fund raisers. We have our annual poker tournament and we are planning our 1st golf tournament for October 2012. Proceeds from these four events, combined with generous donations from the community generate several thousand dollars, all of which goes to benefit the county’s law enforcement agencies based on their needs and requests.
Examples include; tasers, protective vests, new guns for Cal-State Bakersfield and support for the seven Police Activity Leagues (PAL) and the Sheriff’s Activity League (SAL) who use the money to assist youth in their service areas.
During the past three years under the direction of Tom Sheets, KCLEF was able to become more efficient and grow in terms of fund raising, which is no easy feat during current economic times. Tom was instrumental and had the foresight to recruit some excellent, hard working board members who compliment those already serving. These members are the driving force and the heart and soul of the organization and are helping to expand our vision for the future. The resulting changes I have seen are astounding.
What I hope to accomplish during my tenure is to build a cohesive bridge between law enforcement and their supporters so they realize how much most people in the public sector love Kern County Law Enforcement. When this mind-set is established, the results are almost always positive. I will also focus on recruiting new members and donors.
In closing, I want everyone to know how excited I am about serving as President for Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation. I encourage those of you who are not yet members to join us.
Sincerely,
Jon Busby, President
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