Middletown Police Foundation Strengthens Public Safety
The Middletown Police Department (MPD) was formed in 2017 to provide a dedicated local law enforcement presence, while continuing to work closely with the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) to ensure the safety and well-being of Middletown residents.
Upon its formation, the city leadership got to work, providing an initial budget. However, to grow and excel, it became apparent to Middletown Mayor Byron Chapman that more needed to be done.
In 2021, Chapman appointed six community members to a nonprofit committee, creating the Middletown Police Foundation to benefit MPD.
“The mayor recognized there was a need for extra things for the police department that is not typically covered in the budget,” says Ann Hurst, president of the foundation. “As a nonprofit 501(c)(3), we’re able to accept donations, host fundraisers and apply for grants where the police department cannot. You cannot give a police officer $10 and thank them for their service.”
Hurst says every dollar that comes in the front door of the nonprofit goes out the back door in the form of a grant to the MPD, and the benefits are already clear to many in the community.
One branch of the foundation focuses on community safety.
They’ve created and gifted coloring books to children at community events, and child-identification material is available to the parents of elementary school children to record data on their child in the event of an emergency.
More than 150 bicycle helmets are given to families each year at the Middletown Chamber of Commerce’s Easter Egg-Stravaganza, and the police department has been able to host crime-prevention programs for seniors in the community with literature regarding scamming issues and other common and dangerous senior-related issues.
Another focus for the foundation is supporting law enforcement in a variety of ways.
The foundation is prepared to pay for training above and beyond the rigorous training the department participates in regularly, in areas such as de-escalation techniques or responding to mental health crisis situations, for example.
It has also purchased tools to further assist law enforcement’s day-to-day work, ranging from training equipment to mobile drug-testing equipment.
Just one year ago, they invested in an aerial drone for locating lost individuals, surveying storm damage and conducting surveillance. It was recently on display at the annual National Night Out (NNO) event.
In fact, the foundation helps the police department attend community events such as NNO, parades, fairs and holiday gatherings to create a visible presence and positive community atmosphere. Funds are often limited for these types of events, but the foundation has assisted when the need arises.
They are also prepared to provide support for officers who suffer injury and their families, but their most recent assistance is in the purchase of their second K9, Onyx.
“We’ve only had Onyx for a couple of weeks and we’re very excited,” Hurst says. “He’s still training with his handler, Officer Zach Prichard. He lives with Zach and goes home with him every day. He’ll be ready to be on the street in February. Onyx will be trained in patrol work and narcotics, and there are other costs such as special equipment for Zach’s car for Onyx.”
The addition of a K9 to any police department can elevate the work being done in the community.
Highly trained K9s have enhanced detection capabilities, are able to de-escalate apprehension and foster positive community interactions with residents.
Onyx is a puppy from a training facility in North Carolina and will soon be able to sniff out illegal drugs, act as a deterrent to crime and serve as an extra set of eyes for the officers on duty.
“The result of all of these things is we’re being more effective at preventing and responding to criminal activities,” Hurst says. “I think the department is thrilled to have the foundation because we’re putting their work in a positive light and really enhancing their ability to do a great job.”
The Middletown Police Foundation hosts one large fundraiser each year — a car show at Village Square Shopping Plaza. More than 200 classic and modern cars have been on display in the past, winning awards such as Top 50, Classic American, Best Of and People’s Choice, to name a few.
The proceeds from the car show’s entry fee and raffle held by the foundation benefit the police department through the nonprofit.
“In addition to the car show, we are writing grants and working with community partners for sponsorships,” Hurst says. “Some of our community partners include Texas Roadhouse, Dairy Queen, Scheller’s Fitness and Cycling, and Todd’s Place Express Car Wash.”
They’ve even served as mentors to other community police foundations who have watched how the Middletown Police Foundation has succeeded and supported their police department.
Since 2021, what began as a six-member committee has increased to an eight-member committee. Each member serves a three-year term, and they’re always looking for new ideas and new support.
“It’s really been by word of mouth,” Hurst says. “We are always looking for people who are interested. We have an application on the website to join our board. We want people who want to be involved and want to help, whether it’s volunteering for events or contacting businesses for donations. We’re really here to support the police department and the community of Middletown.”
For more information or to volunteer, visit mpfky.org.
