This month’s Community Partner of the Month for December 2023 is the Cleveland Police Foundation’s own Executive Director, Richard ” Rick ” DeChant. Rick came on board three years ago and really hit the ground running, establishing himself as a true team player and a believer in our mission statement.
He made it a point to attend all of our Cops and Kids events including the fishing events, the Christmas kids parties and the Coffee with Cops get-togethers, to name just a few. Whenever I ask him for support involving our officers and the community he is always there to make sure everything runs smooth and that Community Policing is a number one priority.
He truly is deserving of this award, however it comes with a bittersweet presentation. Rick has announced that due to personal issues he will be retiring at the end of December, and will be greatly missed. Our Board Chair Dick Clough recently stated, “Rick was instrumental in implementing the Foundation’s transformation strategy. I will miss working with him, and wish him well in retirement.”
I personally want to thank Rick for always being there for our Heroes in Blue and for letting me do my thing. Good luck and thank you for your service, Rick.
It is because of his dedication and devotion to our officers and our organization that the Cleveland Police Foundation is indeed honored to name Richard DeChant our Community Partner of the Month for December 2023.
~ Bob Guttu, Cleveland Police Foundation
Nominated by CPF Board Chair Dick Clough