A group of citizens aiming to support local law enforcement, including Stephen F. Austin State University’s police department, have banded together to create the Nacogdoches Law Enforcement Foundation.
Korey Kahler, lecturer of computer science at SFA, said the idea to create this nonprofit came after an opportunity to help a family who suffered a loss in 2021.
“I felt a sincere purpose to help others. After much prayer and reflection, I felt the Lord guide me to help our local law enforcement officers,” Kahler said. “After days of research, I connected with many local people who thought it would be a fantastic idea to start a foundation. On March 16, 2022, the Nacogdoches Law Enforcement Foundation became incorporated.”
Due to budget restraints, local law enforcement agencies need assistance with buying equipment, pursuing professional development opportunities, and covering unforeseen medical and other costs that accrue in the event of an on-the-job officer injury or tragedy.
“Many times, our officers choose to purchase equipment out of their own pockets,” Kahler said. “Our goal is to provide this equipment and training when budgets do not allow for it.”
The Nacogdoches Law Enforcement Foundation will assist more than 17 law enforcement agencies that serve Nacogdoches. Each agency has different needs due to the size of the population they serve or the size of the agency.
Kahler said some specific items the foundation is aiming to provide includes lifesaving equipment, personal protection equipment, medical and mental health training, and anchor bags. The foundation also wants to fund scholarships for officers wishing to further their education in criminal justice. Larger goals include providing law enforcement with license plate readers and updated dash cameras.
A varied group of unpaid volunteer citizens make up the foundation’s board of directors.
“My goal when building our board of directors was to be diverse. None of our board members are active law enforcement — we are just members of the community who want to support the people who serve and protect Nacogdoches,” Kahler said. “Our board consists of educators, realtors, a retired assistant chief of police, attorneys, accountants and others. Each of our board members have been vetted and bring their own strengths to the table.”
Citizens who would like to show support can join the foundation’s Nacogdoches 100 Club, a crowd-funded, membership-style fundraiser where an individual can join for $100 per year or a family or small business for $150 per year.
“Since we are a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) organization, 100% of our proceeds go directly back into our community,” Kahler said. “The more people who join, the larger support we can bring. We do not have any meetings or planned activities currently; however, we will have drawings for active members and other ways to thank them for their support through donations from local businesses.”
For more information, visit naclef.org or the Nacogdoches Law Enforcement Foundation page on Facebook.
By Alyssa Faykus, marketing communications senior specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University
