Partner Profile: Jacksonville Fraternal Order of Police
The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is the world’s largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers, with more than 364,000 members in over 2,100 lodges. Founded by two Pittsburgh police officers in 1915, the FOP serves as the voice of those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving communities. The organization is committed to improving the working conditions of law enforcement officers and the safety of those it serves through education, legislation, information, community involvement and employee representation. The Finker-Frenkel Family Foundation has been a proud partner of the Jacksonville FOP since 2021.
The Fraternal Order of Police Jacksonville Consolidated Lodge 5-30 is an active and robust arm of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), representing more than 3,000 active and retired law enforcement officers. With roots dating back to 1968, Jacksonville FOP is now the seventh largest lodge in the nation.
The Jacksonville
FOP runs the FOP Foundation, which serves as the nonprofit fundraising arm of
the organization. One of the funds under the FOP Foundation is the Fallen
Officer Welfare and Relief Fund, which assists police officers and their
families during emergency situations. When officers are injured on duty or become
seriously ill, the Foundation steps in to help with their financial obligations
when they are unable to work, allowing the officers and their families to concentrate
on the recovery process rather than worry about making ends meet.
With help from the Finker-Frenkel Family Foundation, the FOP Foundation is
currently in the process of assisting Officer Jimmy Judge as he battles ALS, also
known as Lou Gherig’s Disease. An officer for over 30 years and a valued member
of the Jacksonville FOP, Judge’s treatment requires that he travel to the Mayo
Clinic in order to undergo a variety of clinical trials – many of which
insurance does not cover. He and his wife also have a child who is still in
high school.
“As
soon as we learned of Jimmy’s situation, we knew we wanted to help right away,”
said Steve Zona, President of the Jacksonville FOP. “We are so appreciative of
the Finker-Frenkel Family Foundation for their generous donation to this cause.
The Finker-Frenkel funds are being allocated toward Jimmy and his family, particularly
Jimmy’s medical and travel expenses. The impact of their generosity is immeasurable,
and the Judge family is forever grateful.”
To learn more about the work of the Jacksonville Fraternal Order of Police,
visit https://www.fop530.com.