Deputies' Relief Fund

Tamara's Commentary

On the day following the March 13, 2011 shooting of Buchanan County deputies, Tamara began immediately establishing a Relief Fund for the Deputies and their families. "It was apparent that the national spotlight was focused on Buchanan County's loss and the time to give folks from across the nation an avenue to donate was right then." Tamara worked to draft a Trust Fund document and enlisted the aid of local attorney Phil Justice to serve as the administrator of the Fund along with Sheriff Ray Foster. Tamara also turned to Todd Owens of Owens CPA to handle the tax aspects in establishing the fund as a legal entity, which allowed the fund to be established at Grundy National Bank. Tamara then set about publicizing the relief fund with radio and newspaper interviews across the Commonwealth. She made sure that information on the fund was added to all the press releases being issued daily, and posted signs throughout the community to spread the word.

Having received more than $100,000 in donations, the fund is still actively promoted within the community at a variety of fund-raising events, such as this recent day in the sun at a softball tournament. Deputy Stiltner had been a member of the Grundy Softball league and was honored at the half-way point for his service.

July 10, 2011

Great day in the sun yesterday raising money for the Deputies' Relief Fund and honoring Deputy Stiltner and his history with the Grundy Softball Team. Our team beat the Richlands Public Service team to make the tourney, but didn't advance far enough to play our Sheriff's Department. Lots of fun though, and a lot of positive feedback on the campaign and praise for my office and all we've done over the past 3.5 years.