Serving those who serve our country

Currently, nearly 5% of veterans in New Jersey live in poverty. The Bergen County Police Chiefs Foundation (BCPCF) works to shrink that number by offering aid to active or retired members of the military who could use some help.

The BCPCF is a fully volunteer-staffed charity that donates 100% of its proceeds to help local veterans, their families and the families of fallen heroes, as well as those less fortunate or in need. The organization is run by active and retired police chiefs and other members of the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association.

The nonprofit supports veterans in several important ways. It works with other local organizations to preserve affordable housing for veterans, pays for necessary home repairs, including ADA accessibility upgrades, and offers direct financial assistance when needed. They also collect gift cards for local grocery and convenience stores and distribute them to veterans each year on Veterans Day.

In addition, the BCPCF helps care for the support animals of veterans by paying veterinary bills and related costs. Though often overlooked by other charities, pet care is vital because veterans can suffer undue emotional distress or depression without their loyal companions.

“Our mission is to give back to those who have served our country,” said Donald Rossi, chairman of the BCPCF. “Whether it’s financial help, organizing an event to honor their service or simply making time to pay a visit, our veterans deserve our care and respect.”

“Our mission is to give back to those who have served our country. They deserve our care and respect.”

—Donald Rossi, Chairman, Bergen County Police Chiefs Foundation

Inspired to make a difference

IPA Risk Management has supported the BCPCF since 2014. The agency owners first learned about the nonprofit’s mission at one of its fundraisers and were moved by the compassion and respect shown to veterans. Inspired to help the cause, the agency began making regular financial donations. But as they learned about the extent of the need in their community, and how much the nonprofit accomplished, the owners and their employees wanted to do more.

Today, the agency is a consistent sponsor for all BCPCF fundraisers. Along with giving money, they donate items for prizes and for use at events, help with organizing and promotion, volunteer their time and use their business connections to solicit financial support in the community.

On top of all that, IPA Risk Management principal Gregory Heitmann serves as a BCPCF trustee and committee member to help the nonprofit raise money and awareness. Something he would not be able to do without the support from his son, Chase Heitmann, at the agency and assisting our nonprofit partner.

“We are so impressed by the commitment of the BCPCF to serve our veterans in need,” said IPA Risk Management principal Gregory Heitmann. “Seeing the positive difference they make inspires us to do all we can to help.”

“Seeing the positive difference the BCPCF makes inspires us to do all we can to help.”

– Gregory Heitmann, Principal, IPA Risk Management

A lifeline for veterans

Your vote can help the Bergen County Police Chiefs Foundation receive a $10,000 donation. The funding would help provide temporary housing, meals and other services for veterans in need.

Help IPA Risk Management win $10,000 for Bergen County Police Chiefs Foundation by clicking the vote button. Get them an extra vote by cheering them on in the comments below by Nov. 1.