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The Oakland Athletics has raised $130,000 for the family trust funds of the four Oakland police officers who were killed by a wanted parolee
March 21.
The baseball team said $65,000 was raised through fan and player donations, a silent auction and a special law enforcement ticket offer; owner Lew Wolff and principal partner John Fisher matched that amount.
Before the A’s opening home game last Friday night, the teams hosted a special tribute for Sgts. Mark Dunakin, Ervin Romans and Daniel Sakai and Officer John Hege.
The tribute included more than 50 Oakland police officers, a plaque presentation to the Oakland Acting Police Chief Howard Jordan, a moment of silence in lieu of ceremonial first pitch, the playing of taps and a flyover by fighter jets.
A’s wore Oakland Police Department hats during the pre-game ceremony and began wearing home white uniforms, which will feature an OPD patch on the sleeve for the entire 2009 season.
In a prepared statement, Wolff said, “On behalf of the entire Oakland A’s organization, our deepest condolences go out to the members of the Oakland Police Department and the family members of the officers involved in this terrible tragedy.”
“These officers served as security during many of our games throughout the years,” Wolff said. “Our hearts and prayers go out to all law enforcement officials who dedicate their lives to the public safety of our neighborhoods and citizens. We appreciate the job they do every day protecting our community.”
Additional contributions can be made by sending a check to the Oakland Police Officer’s Association, Attn: Renee Hassna, 555 Fifth Street, Oakland, CA 94607.
Checks should be made payable to the Dunakin Children’s Family Trust, the Romans Children’s Family Trust or the Sakai Family Trust.
Donations may also be made under John Hege’s name to these charities: Oakland Police Emergency Net, 555 Fifth Street, Oakland, CA 94607, Attn: Renee Hassna, Piedmont Council Inc. Boy Scouts of America, 10 Highland Way, Piedmont, CA 94611, or Oreme School of Arizona (HC63 Box 3040, Mayer, AZ
86333).
For more information, people may visit www.opoa.org.
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This is a wonderful story, unfortunately born from a horrific tragedy. This vast community-wide effort to support the families of our fallen Officers is a wonderful tribute, and it’s heartwarming to see support continuing to build for all of these families. Please help however you are able. Linda