DETROIT, JAN. 6, 2019 – Comerica Bank awarded the Detroit Public Safety Foundation a $25,000 donation at the bank’s Michigan headquarters in downtown Detroit to kick off the DPSF’s week-long “Back the Blue” campaign, culminating in ‘National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day’ on Thursday, Jan. 9. Comerica also announced its colleagues will deliver refreshments to local Detroit precincts and sheriff headquarters to commemorate Law Enforcement Appreciation Day later this week.
Dozens of members of metro Detroit’s law enforcement community, including Detroit Police Chief James Craig, attended today’s ‘Back the Blue’ ceremony. The event showcased Comerica Bank’s commitment and appreciation for those who serve and protect the community. Other dignitaries, including Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon, Michigan State Police First Lt. Michael Shaw, Wayne State University Police Chief Tony Holt and representatives from more than a dozen local, state and federal agencies and corporate partners were in attendance as well.
“Local law enforcement officers are the backbone of our communities, keeping us safe day in and day out,” said Mike Ritchie, president of Comerica Bank – Michigan. “This is our way of recognizing their invaluable work and saying thank you to the men and women who serve and protect.”
Police officers, firefighters, border patrol agents, security guards and others who are sworn to protect the public every day of the year were honored at the inaugural ‘Back the Blue’ campaign. The event was spearheaded by Comerica Bank, the Detroit Public Safety Foundation and other community businesses and partners.
“I can tell you, the support we have is vitally important to building trust between our officers and the citizens we are sworn to protect,” said James Craig, Chief of the Detroit Police Department. “I welcome the new Back the Blue initiative, and hopefully it will send a message to all law enforcement officers and first responders across this region, both our sworn and civilian members, because they put their lives on the line each and every day they go to work, never knowing if they’ll return to their families.”
“We’ve had great success, thanks to our community partners, in ensuring the departments are able to cover these unbudgeted but very important needs,” said Patti Kukula, executive director of the Detroit Public Safety Foundation. “We are honored to help in any way to make our first responders safer, stronger and most importantly feel appreciated. These first responders don’t know us personally, their families don’t know us, but when there’s an issue, they are jumping in to take care of us.”
Launched in 2003, the Detroit Public Safety Foundation strives to help the Detroit Police and Fire Departments initiate innovative programs that make Detroit a safer place to live and work. The nonprofit is dedicated to creating a better future by improving the health, safety and welfare of citizens and visitors to Detroit through support of Detroit Police, Fire and EMS with technology, training, equipment, community outreach and wellness. Every year, the Detroit Public Safety Foundation secures grants and funding from community partners, such as Comerica, so the Detroit Police and Fire departments can purchase items that are not covered in the city budget.
Comerica, the largest bank employer in Michigan, has a long history of supporting public safety. Comerica was a long-time supporter of the City of Detroit’s former Angels’ Night, as well as programs like Crime Stoppers of Michigan and the Detroit Police Athletic League.
About Comerica Bank
Comerica Bank, a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated, has served Michigan longer than any other bank with a continuous presence dating back 170 years to its Detroit founding in 1849. It is the largest bank employer in metro Detroit and has more than 4,700 employees (FTE) statewide. With one of the largest banking center networks in Michigan, Comerica nurtures lifelong relationships with unwavering integrity and financial prudence. Comerica positively impacts the lives of Michigan residents by helping customers be successful, providing financial support that assists hundreds of charitable organizations, and actively participating in Detroit’s downtown revitalization. Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) is a financial services company strategically aligned by three business segments: The Business Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Comerica, Twitter: @ComericaBank and Instagram: @comerica_bank.
About the Detroit Public Safety Foundation
In partnership with citizens, businesses and philanthropies, the Detroit Public Safety Foundation helps the Detroit Police and Fire Departments initiate innovative programs that make Detroit a safer place to live and work. In 2003, the Detroit Police Foundation was incorporated in the state of Michigan as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. In 2011, the Detroit Police Foundation changed its name to the Detroit Public Safety Foundation - dedicated to strengthening the Police and Fire Departments and promoting public safety. By supporting innovative projects, this pioneering public-private partnership provides the Police and Fire Departments with the means to launch benchmark programs and further its professionalism. The foundation depends entirely on the generosity of corporations, individuals, foundations and philanthropic organizations for project and operating budgets. The Detroit Police Department and Detroit Fire Department have authorized the foundation to seek funding from private sources to support police and fire initiatives. Through the generosity of partners, the foundation has invested over $4 million dollars in supporting special projects and activities that play an essential role in ensuring the safety of our city. In addition, the foundation has secured over $80 million in federal grants to support the Detroit police and fire departments.
