Denver Police Orphans' Fund

01/19/2026

Shawn O’Connor is the widow of Denver Police Officer Jim Wier who was shot and killed in the line of duty on June 3, 1987.

The DPOF was honored to help both of their sons through college. One of them, Dustin, followed in his father’s footsteps and is in law enforcement today.

Shawn’s partner of many years suffered a tragic medical event recently, so the DPD family has a chance to step up and serve this family once again.

https://www.givesendgo.com/supportingshawnandcharles?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=supportingshawnandcharles
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We are seeking support for Shawn and Charles as Charles recently suffered a sudden and unexpected medical emergency. A long road of recovery is expected, and...

12/20/2025

Thanks to all of you who helped make the party such a success again this year. We had a blast and raised some money for our exceptionally deserving beneficiaries, like Kelsey Young (pictured with one of the kids she helps) who gave an exception testimony of what the Fund's support meant to her and her sister following their dad's murder on Mother's Day 2005.

Link to the party photo album:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/CLH3HxJ1xHttRFK88

12/08/2025

While we’re still basking in the glow of a tremendously successful and fun Christmas party Sunday evening, we pause to remember the life and full sacrifice of Detective Donald DeBruno, who was killed 50 years ago on December 10th.

Detective DeBruno was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a homicide suspect from Toronto who’d just arrived in Denver on the bus.

He was only 30 years young at the time, and was married to Fran. Together they were raising Donnie and Jennifer, both of whom the Orphans’ Fund was so grateful to get to support.

The Denver Police Museum will honor Detective DeBruno with a ceremony on Wednesday. All are welcome to attend!

https://denverpolicemuseum.org/fallen-officer-donald-debruno-50th-anniversary/

11/12/2025

Never forgotten!

Yesterday, grateful Americans across the country paused to say thank you to all those who, for generations, have chosen to serve in the US Armed Forces, and by doing so protected this country, and those in danger around the world.

One of those veterans, Cpl. Bruce VanderJagt, US Marine Corps, deserves our attention again today.

After serving his country, Cpl. VanderJagt, USMC, chose to serve again, this time as Ofc. VanderJagt, Denver Police Department. And on November 12, 1997, he laid down his life in service to his community while trying to apprehend a heavily armed and very violent felon.

For the wife and daughter who were left behind, and all those who loved to serve with Bruce, and be on the receiving end of his wisdom, care and strength, it’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years.

Bruce-you are not forgotten. Our memories of you are cherished and burn brightly in our hearts.

Anna & Hayley-we acknowledge that you sacrificed in a way that can’t be put into words that day too. We remember, support and love you!

10/30/2025

Hopefully you're as excited as we are that there are only 56 days until Christmas. We're in full planning mode for our annual Christmas party, which is only 38 days away!

We will gather on Sunday, December 7, again at the Denver Renaissance Hotel, to recognize our amazing beneficiaries, past, current and present, and enjoy being together as a DPD family.
This party is our one fundraiser of the year, and if you're able to partner with us either through event sponsorship or auction item donations, please call (720) 913-6805. Thank you, in advance, and 'tis the season to support such a worthy cause!

06/24/2025

We love you Celena!

05/08/2025

May 8th is Donnie Young day in the DPD, as we remember his ambush murder 20 years ago today.

His widow, Kelly, and daughters, Kourtney & Kelsey, were recently forced to publicly bare their souls, again, to oppose Donnie's killer's entry into a program that would have put him on track for an early release.

Fortunately, the killer was denied that (undeserved) opportunity, but will frustratingly have the chance to reapply in a couple of years. Let this be a reminder for all of us that for the families of the fallen, the battle never ends, and therefore we must never forget them!

We remember you Donnie, and we love your girls!

05/08/2025

We were so blessed to receive this thank you note, and retirement party invitation, from one of our first beneficiaries, the daughter of Officer Paul Wilson, who was killed in the line of duty in 1968. If you've ever donated to the DPOF, you too get to share in Ms. Keena's joyful retirement after 42 years in special education, a career that was seeded through the support of the DPOF.

04/01/2025

28 years later and we've still not forgotten you, Ron!

On April 1, 1997, just days after this picture of class 96-2 marching in their academy graduation ceremony was taken, Officer Ronald L. DeHerrera, tragically lost a literal fight for his life.

Ron, second from left, was working just his second shift on the streets of District 1, when a stolen vehicle violently smashed into the side of the patrol car which Ron’s Field Training Officer, Technician Victor Baca, was driving. The stolen Mustang was traveling so fast that Technician Baca had no chance to avoid being hit.

The accident occurred on March 26, 1997, and Ron fought valiantly for his own life at Denver General, but ultimately the massive head trauma he suffered was too much for him to overcome. This author will never forget meeting with his academy class at DG and being provided with a few heartbreaking moments to say goodbye to our classmate.

Ron’s performance in the academy, coupled with the courage, stamina and determination he showed in fighting for his life for 6 days demonstrated that he would have been a standout Denver Police Officer, surely enjoying a long, productive career making Denver a safer and more enjoyable city.

Ron, we miss you!

03/07/2025

Detective Michael Goodfellow
May 16, 1992
March 7, 2024

We love and miss you Mike! God rest your soul.