Retiring Yuma police chief hosts fundraiser to benefit fallen officers

Retiring Yuma Police Chief John Lekan held a “Kisses for Cash” fundraiser on Valentine’s Day where he raised $5,000 to benefit the Fallen Officer Memorial Project.

Through the project, he wants to be able to properly commemorate the 36 law enforcement officers who have lost their lives while serving in the Yuma region.

“It will be the place that in the event that anybody dies in the line of duty, their name will forever be engraved into this monument. We’re just out here trying to raise money to make that a reality and get the thing built so that it can be a great place for the community to go and reflect and honor those local hometown heroes,” Chief Lekan said.

The Fraternal Order of Police has collected nearly $40,000 but they think another $60,000 is needed.

There will be another event on March 14th at the Yuma Palms Regional Center called “Lock up the Chief” from 11 to 1 p.m.

If you cannot attend these events, you can still help by mailing checks to:

FOP Yuma Lodge #24

P.O. Box 6283

Yuma, AZ 85366