2023 Community Partner of the Month Awards

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

For many years the Cleveland Police Foundation has depended on various groups and organizations to help in our mission of bringing the community and our police officers together again. Mike Connole of the Skylight Financial Group has done just that by providing toys for the children across the City of Cleveland especially–during the Christmas season.

I contacted former CPD Commander Keith Sulzer who nominated Skylight and he stated, “The Cleveland Police Foundation wants to thank the Skylight Financial Group for their continued support of our childrens Christmas events. Skylight and Mike Connole have contributed significantly for several years to our efforts to bring Christmas to families and children in need in our community.”

It is because of their caring for the children in the community and our mission that the Cleveland Police Foundation is proud to name Mike Connole and the Skylight Financial Group our Community Partner of the Month for November 2023.

~ Bob Guttu, Cleveland Police Foundation

Nominated by former CPD Commander Keith Sulzer

The Cleveland Police Foundation’s Community Partners of the Month for October 2023 have a true passion for uplifting the youth in the community. Marcus Gonzalez of Ole G’s Barbershop and Eliezer Cruz and employee Alexander Perrella of Life Changers Barbershop have partnered with the First District’s Barbers with a Mission since 2019. This event takes place at Laura’s Home Crisis Center.

Marcus, individually, has provided haircuts for up to 30 young men to begin their new school year, and in 2021 the First District’s Cops and Clippers was created with Marcus’s collaboration.

Cops and Clippers is a community engagement program designed to bridge the gap between police and youth within the community. While conducting community engagement or while patrolling, officers can provide them with a ticket for a haircut at either barbershop. These haircuts are paid for by First District officers who have donated to the cause. The recipient takes the ticket to either shop where a haircut is provided at half cost or free.

Both barbers share the idea that a haircut goes a long way to boost a person’s self-image and self esteem. It is because of their support of the youth in the community that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name Marcus Gonzalez and Eliezer Cruz our Community Partners of the Month for October 2023. 

~ Bob Guttu, Cleveland Police Foundation

Nominated by First District Detective Juan Dejesus

Originally organized as the Cleveland Boat Club in 1913, the Edgewater Yacht Club has earned the reputation of being called the ” friendliest club on Lake Erie” because of the caring nature of staff and members. This past summer, the Cleveland Police Foundation named the EYC our Community Partner of the Month for September because of their 10 years of hosting the Foundation’s “Fishing With Cops” program.

I reached out to the Cleveland Police Foundation’s Executive Director, Rick DeChant to comment and he stated, “During the past 10 years the Yacht Club has made dock spaces, picnic areas, grills and volunteer support available to the Foundation in hosting inner city youth for a day of fishing with Cleveland Police Officers.”

One only has to attend one of these outings to know the importance of this interaction between the officers and the kids, and the smiles as they all exit the boat. It is because of their kindness and caring for our youth and police officers that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name the Edgewater Yacht Club our Community Partner of the Month for September 2023.

~ Bob Guttu

Nominated by former Chief Mike McGrath

This month, we are proud to recognize Mike Trivisonno Jr. as the Cleveland Police Foundation’s Community Partner of the Month for August 2023. Much like his late father, Mike is a steadfast supporter of law enforcement, demonstrating his enduring appreciation and commitment to our officers.

In July, Mike Jr. exemplified this commitment by co-sponsoring the First District’s Law Enforcement Officer Appreciation Day, in collaboration with the Cleveland Police Foundation. The event, held at the district, was a heartfelt expression of the community’s gratitude towards our officers. Those in attendance were treated to a delectable lunch provided by Billy Morris’s Smokin’ Rock N’ Roll Food Truck, featuring pork sandwiches, macaroni & cheese, coleslaw, and assorted desserts.

Highlighting the occasion, Billy Morris graced the officers with an inspiring rendition of the National Anthem on his acoustic guitar at noon, offering a moment of patriotic reflection and unity.

Although a scheduling conflict prevented Mike Jr. from attending the luncheon, his unwavering support and the uplifting environment he helped foster were palpable. His contribution provided a much-needed morale boost and a day of appreciation, which resonated deeply with all officers present.

In recognition of his ongoing support for law enforcement, the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name Mike Trivisonno Jr. our Community Partner of the Month for August 2023.

In an effort to improve morale, Third District personnel attempted to beautify their workplace. The supervisors reached out to the Cleveland Police Foundation’s Board Chair Dick Clough, who in turn contacted Dale and Julie Heyink, owners of Puritas Nursery, who are long-time supporters of Dick’s “Tour of Good Cheer” event now in its 39th year.

Dale and Julie did not hesitate to provide ten planters pre-planted with flowers that were placed at the entrance to the Third District, and mulch distributed around the district flagpoles.

When approached for comment Third District Captain Tim Maffo-Judd stated, “Since the pots and mulch have been in place, police, fire and EMS personnel have overwhelmingly vocalized the positive change making a big difference as they enter the building allowing all of us to start our workday feeling good.”

It should also be noted that Puritas Nursery also helped the First District spruce up the outside of their building.

It is because of their support for our CPD Officers and the “Tour of Good Cheer ” event that the Cleveland Police Foundation is proud and honored to name Dale and Julie Heyink of Puritas Nursery our Community Partner of the Month for July 2023. 

~ Bob Guttu, CPF

(Nominated by Third District Captain Tim Maffo-Judd and CPF Board Chair Dick Clough)

On June 21, 2023 the Third District CPD Officers and dispatchers were treated to an outstanding lunch provided by Smoke N Rock & Roll Barbecue and sponsored by Mr. Jay Lucarelli, owner of the Minutemen Company. Mr. Lucarelli, who has always been a supporter of the Cleveland Division of Police, wanted to do something special for our officers to show appreciation for their service. Each officer enjoyed a meal of a pork sandwich, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw and various desserts.

Also in attendance were Cleveland Guardian players Will Brennan, Trevor Stephan and Cam Gallagher, who all spent their time interacting with our officers. Captain Tim Maffo-Judd, who helped set the event, up stated, ” I want to thank Mr. Lucarelli for providing the funds to feed our officers and dispatchers and for making this a very special day for them.”

It is because of his support for our officers and dispatchers that the Cleveland Police Foundation is proud to name Mr. Jay Lucarelli of the Minutemen Company our Community Partner of the Month for June 2023.

– Bob Guttu, Cleveland Police Foundation

(Nominated by Captain Tim Maffo-Judd 3rd District)

The Cleveland Police Foundation is delighted to acknowledge the support of our men and women in Blue by our community partners. This month, we recognize the children and staff at St. Mark Catholic School in West Park. They’ve continually supported our safety forces, standing by us during both good times and tragedy.

Earlier this spring, the children, under the guidance of the staff, assembled care packages for each member of the Cleveland Division of Police. These packages included snack bars, candy, drinks, and homemade greeting cards. In a thoughtful gesture, they also provided fruit, treats, and chew toys for our K-9 officers.

Patrol Officer Tom Ross, 2nd VP with the CPPA, who nominated St. Mark Catholic School, spoke warmly of their efforts. He said, “From this generosity in providing snacks to all of our officers this spring, to the way they supported the Bartek family after losing Shane, they truly exemplify kindness and the human spirit. I am proud to protect them and to be part of the parish.”

For their unwavering support and care for our CPD officers, the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name St. Mark Catholic School as our Community Partner of the Month for May 2023.

– Bob Guttu, Cleveland Police Foundation

(Nominated by CPD Patrol Officer Tom Ross)

Captain Tim Maffo-Judd and his Second District Officers recently identified an opportunity in an unused jail within their district. Rather than allowing the space to continue to sit unused, they envisioned it as a new location to hold roll calls and eat lunches. To make this vision a reality, they reached out for support to the Cleveland Police Foundation, which graciously assisted by providing financial support for necessary supplies like paint.

The team at Sherwin Williams (West Park) also stepped up to the plate to assist in this endeavor. Without hesitation, Sherwin Williams provided the Cleveland Police Foundation with discounts on paint and other supplies. This generosity enabled the officers to move forward with their project and transform the jail into a clean, comfortable space for conducting roll calls, holding meetings, and taking breaks.

The renovation was a true team effort, but a special note of gratitude is due to Sherwin Williams (West Park). Their contribution was instrumental in bringing this vision to life. For their support and collaboration with our CPD officers, the Cleveland Police Foundation is proud to name Sherwin Williams (West Park) as our Community Partner of the Month for April 2023.

– Bob Guttu, Cleveland Police Foundation

(Nominated by CPD Captain Tim Maffo-Judd)

– Bob Guttu, Cleveland Police Foundation

(Nominated by Retired CPD Captain Keith Sulzer)

The Cleveland Police Foundation implemented the Community Partner of the Month Award so we could honor those individuals from the community who strive to support the mission goals of the Cleveland Division of Police and the CPF.

Betty Rodes, a longtime friend of the police and community activist, is most deserving of this honor. She has been president of the Fullerton Street Club in Slavic Village since 2005, went through the Citizen’s Police Academy over twenty years ago, and has been a member of the C.P.A. Alumni since then.

I visited Betty recently, along with CPD Retired Officer Jeff Stanczyk, to celebrate her 90th birthday and asked her why she felt the need to do so much for her community and the police. She stated, “Nothing is more important to me than to have neighbors looking out for each other and supporting our hard-working police officers.”

It should also be noted that Betty’s son Jimmy, a now-retired CPD officer, would invite his platoon over for a meal on holidays when he had to work, and she would feed them.

It is because of her endless support of the Cleveland Division of Police and her need to help improve her individual neighborhood that the Cleveland Police Foundation is indeed honored to bestow upon Betty Rodes our Community Partner of the Month Award.

– Bob Guttu, Cleveland Police Foundation

(Nominated by Bob Guttu and Jeff Stanczyk)

Sameka Cammon has been a civilian advisor for the Cleveland Police Law Enforcement program for over 15 years and has had two children in the program.

One of her daughters, Tiara Cammon, is currently in the program and is excelling very well according to Patrol Officer Adrian Calhoun of the Community Relations Unit. He also helps run the program, and nominated Sameka for this Community Partner of the Month award.

Officer Calhoun further stated, “Sameka Cammons volunteers long hours to the program while being a mentor to the explorers. She has assisted with events in various capacities, including picking up and dropping off explorers to the meetings, providing lunch for the kids, and helping the Bureau of Community Relations further the mission of community engagement. Sameka has always shown efforts to help the program in any way, and because of her selfless acts I believe she is worthy of this recognition.”

It is because of her dedication and devotion to the Cleveland Police Explorers program, and the kids that are enrolled, that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name Sameka Cammon our Community Partner of the Month for January 2023.

– Bob Guttu, CPF