WAPPINGERS FALLS – On Wednesday night, marking October 13, the DC 10-13 Foundation held their annual fundraiser to raise money for their organization that provides financial assistance to law enforcement and first responders that are suffering financial hardships due to injury or illness.
Police use the 10-13 radio code to indicate that an officer needs emergency assistance. Several veteran cops at the fundraiser say that “10-13” is a radio transmission they never want to hear because it usually means that one of their fellow cops is in danger.
In 2014, the DC 10-13 Foundation of the Hudson Valley was formed to raise money to assist police officers who were injured in the line of duty and needed financial assistance. Over time the foundation has expanded beyond the Dutchess County border and has also expanded to assist first responders. They also no longer require the injury or illness to be job-related.
Bruce Coneeny, the now-retired chief of the Department for the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, was one of the founders and serves as chairman. Coneeny was a long-time partner and friend of the late Dutchess County Sheriff Butch Anderson. In front of a standing-room-only crowd on Wednesday night, he recalled how Anderson was a big supporter of the initiative from the beginning. Anderson’s widow Danielle is the DC-13 treasurer. Making her first public appearance since the funeral, Mrs. Anderson spoke briefly to thank everyone for their help, comfort, and support since Anderson’s unexpected passing. “Thank you for honoring my husband,” she said, choking back tears.
Vice-chairman Brian Tarpey, a retiree from the East Fishkill Police Department, said the 501c3 organization has expanded to a regional scope.
“Since 2014 we have expanded from just Dutchess County to the Hudson Valley to included Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, and actually helped some in Rockland County and we have given out over $30,000 just this year,” he said
Members of the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department were on hand to deliver proceeds from their recent golf tournament at which actor Michael O’Keefe, better known as “Noonan” from the movie “Caddyshack” greeted all golfers and auctioned off memorabilia. The DC 10-13 Foundation received a check from the PBA for $1,050. Mike Robinson, CEO of Waverly Pest Control, took the event as an opportunity to present a $750 donation. “This organization does great things,” said the owner of the long-established Hudson Valley business.
Tarpey said that the need for financial support is ever-present and the foundation is always seeking donors to help with its mission. Donations can be made by clicking here.
