Denver Police Heroes Fund: Supporting Our Officers and Community
Fostering collaboration between the Denver Police, the Blue Family, and inner-city communities is key to building safer neighborhoods. By working together, we can rebuild trust, strengthen relationships, and create a shared pride in keeping our communities safe and united.
Our Mission
The Denver Police Heroes Fund supports underprivileged children, injured officers and their families, and other community initiatives. We fundraise, provide financial aid, and award scholarships to children pursuing careers in law enforcement or as first responders, promoting goodwill and unity across our community.
The talented team
behind our services!
Meet our dedicated team members who work tirelessly to fulfill our mission and make a positive impact.

Kevin Ford
Vice President

Kevin Ford
Vice President
Meet Sergeant Kevin Ford:
A Dedicated Leader in Bridging Law Enforcement and Community
About Sergeant Kevin Ford
Sergeant Kevin Ford is the Vice President of the Denver Police Heroes Fund and has served as a police officer with the Denver Police Department for 17 years. Over the years, he has held various assignments within the department, showcasing his leadership and commitment to public safety.
For the past 12 years, Sgt. Ford has served as an instructor and advisor for the Denver Police Explorer Program, where he mentors youth in law enforcement principles and essential life skills, empowering them to make positive contributions to their communities.
Supporting First Responders
As Vice President of the Denver Police Heroes Fund, Sgt. Ford is dedicated to providing financial assistance and essential support to first responders and their families during challenging times. His work bridges the gap between law enforcement and the community, fostering trust and collaboration.
Empowering Youth
Sgt. Ford is passionate about building positive relationships within the community and helping youth develop the skills and opportunities needed to thrive. His efforts with the Explorer Program and the Heroes Fund reflect his dedication to improving lives in Denver.

Heidi Ford
Secretary

Heidi Ford
Secretary
Meet Heidi:
A Compassionate Leader and Advocate for First Responders
About Heidi
Heidi serves as the Secretary of the Denver Police Heroes Fund, bringing a unique and valuable perspective to the organization with her background in 911 dispatch and the mental health field. Her experience combines technical expertise with deep empathy, enabling her to make a meaningful impact on the lives of first responders and the community.
Building Trust and Mentoring Youth
Heidi is passionate about fostering positive relationships between youth and law enforcement. Through mentorship and guidance, she works to build trust, provide support, and help young individuals develop essential life skills and make positive choices.
Advocating for First Responders
A dedicated advocate for Police, Fire, EMS, and Dispatch personnel, Heidi strives to raise awareness about the challenges faced by first responders and their families. She is committed to creating a sense of belonging within the first responder community and providing comprehensive support to those in need.
Supporting the Denver Police Heroes Fund Mission
In her role as Secretary, Heidi helps drive the mission of the Denver Police Heroes Fund, focusing on delivering assistance and resources to first responders while promoting collaboration and trust between public safety professionals and the communities they serve.

Katherine McCandless
Fundraising Coordinator

Katherine McCandless
Fundraising Coordinator
Meet Corporal Katherine McCandless:
A Dedicated Advocate for Building Stronger Communities
About Corporal Katherine McCandless
Corporal Katherine McCandless joined the Denver Police Department in 2019 after a distinguished career as a pediatric nurse. Starting her service in Patrol, she now works as a Field Training Officer, mentoring and shaping the next generation of officers.
During her time as a Community Resource Officer, Corporal McCandless discovered a passion for bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community. Her involvement in "Shop with a Cop" events through the Denver Police Heroes Fund deepened her commitment to serving others and inspired her to join the foundation’s board in 2024.
Supporting the Denver Police Heroes Fund
As the Fundraising Coordinator for the Denver Police Heroes Fund, Corporal McCandless plays a vital role in supporting the organization’s fundraising initiatives. Her work focuses on:
- Empowering first responders and their families during times of crisis.
- Promoting community programs like "Shop with a Cop," which builds trust between officers and local families.
- Driving financial support to expand resources and ensure the success of the foundation’s initiatives.
Commitment to Service
Whether through her professional role or her contributions to the Heroes Fund, Corporal McCandless remains deeply committed to creating compassionate communities. Her efforts reflect a lifelong dedication to supporting the individuals and families who serve and protect us every day.

Meghan Brenneman
Treasurer

Meghan Brenneman
Treasurer
Meet Meghan:
A Dedicated Advocate for First Responders and Treasurer of the Denver Police Heroes Fund
About Meghan
Meghan serves as the Treasurer of the Denver Police Heroes Fund, bringing both professional expertise and personal passion to her role. With nine years of experience as an emergency room nurse, Meghan works closely with first responders from all fields, earning her deep respect and admiration for their dedication and sacrifice.
Coming from a family of first responders, Meghan’s connection to public safety is deeply personal. Her involvement with the Heroes Fund reflects her commitment to assisting first responders in need, fostering relationships between responders and the community, and investing in the well-being of children within the community.
Passion for the Mission
Meghan was drawn to the Denver Police Heroes Fund for its mission of providing comprehensive support to all first responders—Police, Fire, EMS, and others—while promoting community engagement and youth development. She believes in creating supportive networks that connect first responders with the communities they serve.
Honored to Serve
As Treasurer, Meghan ensures that the Heroes Fund’s resources are effectively directed to support first responders and community initiatives. She is honored to contribute to a cause that aligns so closely with her personal values and professional experiences.

Caitlin Gray
Outreach Coordinator

Caitlin Gray
Outreach Coordinator
Meet Caitlin:
A Dedicated Advocate for First Responders and Community Youth
About Caitlin
Caitlin serves as the Outreach Coordinator for the Denver Police Heroes Fund. Previously, she held the role of Treasurer since the fund’s inception, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission.
Her dedication to helping others began as a victim's advocate with the Larimer County Sheriff's Department, where she supported individuals during times of crisis. Caitlin’s experience spans roles such as multi-clinic supervisor in the medical field, care coordinator for in-home hospice care, and paraprofessional at her children’s school.
Supporting the Denver Police Heroes Fund
As Outreach Coordinator, Caitlin plays a vital role in expanding the fund’s mission. Her work focuses on:
- Supporting first responders and their families in times of need.
- Building positive relationships between law enforcement and youth in the community.
- Fostering trust and understanding through outreach and mentorship initiatives.
Commitment to Service
Married to a police officer, Caitlin’s work with the Heroes Fund is deeply personal. She is passionate about creating strong connections between first responders and the communities they serve. Her dedication reflects a lifelong mission to support, uplift, and empower others during their greatest times of need.

Dave Stuht
President

Dave Stuht
President
Meet Chaplain Dave Stuht:
Serving the Denver Police Department with Dedication and Compassion
About Chaplain Dave
Chaplain Dave Stuht has been serving the Denver Police Department since 2017, offering spiritual and emotional support to officers, their families, and the community. In addition, he has been a member of the department’s Crash Reconstruction Team (CRT) since 2019, contributing his expertise to accident investigations.
With prior experience as a chaplain for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and as a Machinist Mate in the U.S. Navy, Chaplain Dave brings a wealth of knowledge and a lifelong commitment to serving others.
Supporting the Blue Family
Chaplain Dave is honored to work alongside the courageous members of the "Blue family" and the Denver Police Heroes Fund. Together, they strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community, fostering trust and understanding.
Building Bridges
Through his efforts, Chaplain Dave exemplifies the spirit of unity and resilience. His work with the Heroes Fund highlights his commitment to supporting first responders and the people they serve.
Denver Police Heroes Fund Timeline of Events
Below is an overview of the annual activities and initiatives you can be part of. Exact dates will be announced soon—stay tuned!
Annual Fundraising Gala
Celebrate our mission with an evening of community, recognition, and giving. Proceeds support scholarships, first responder assistance, and community programs.
Spring Seminar Series
Topics:
-
-PTSD awareness, substance abuse prevention, and wellness education for first responders.
- -Open to officers, their families, and community members interested in first responder support.
Summer Picnic and Family Day
A day of fun, food, and community-building for first responders and their families.
Shop with a Cop: Preparing Kids for Success
- Program: Shop with a Cop - Back to School Edition
- Description: Officers take children shopping for school supplies, fostering connections and preparing them for a successful school year.
Christmas Shop with a Cop: Bringing Joy to Underprivileged Children
Program: Christmas Shop with a Cop Description: Officers help kids in need buy holiday gifts for a happy season.
Fundraising for First Responders and Community Impact Year-Round
Throughout the year, we host various fundraising initiatives, including raffles, community drives, and business partnership events.
Make a Difference in Our Community
The Denver Police Heroes Fund (DPHF) invites you to join our mission to support
underprivileged children, first responders, and their families. Together, we can
strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community, build trust, and create lasting change.
Whether you’re an individual, a local business, or part of an organization, there are countless ways to get involved.
Your support helps fund programs like Shop with a Cop, educational scholarships, and critical assistance
for officers and their families in times of need.
How You Can Help:
- Donate: Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Your donation directly supports
community programs, families in need, and first responder wellness. - Volunteer: Be part of our events, such as the annual Christmas Shop with a Cop
and Back-to-School Drive, where you can connect with the community and make an impact. - Sponsor: Partner with us as a local business to fund programs and events while showing your
commitment to the community. - Spread the Word: Share our mission with your network and help us expand our reach to make a greater impact.
Together, We Build Bridges
Your involvement helps us achieve our goals of fostering strong relationships between the
Denver Police Department and the communities it serves, supporting officers and their families,
and empowering youth to pursue careers in law enforcement and first responder roles.
Join us in making a meaningful difference today!