Public Invited to Attend ‘Hearts for Heroes’ Ball

DeKalb Police Alliance Ball on Feb. 11 will benefit the Law Enforcement Community

Police officers have one of the nation’s top 10 most risky jobs, according to Forbes magazine, primarily because they routinely jeopardize their own well-being while making life better for others.  

Police officers in DeKalb County, however, have an advantage in terms of benefits to their families should they lose their lives serving and protecting the public.

The DeKalb Police Alliance (DPA), an independent non-profit organization founded in 2005 by business and civic leaders, raises funds to pay for a $100,000 supplementary life insurance policy that covers sworn officers in the DeKalb County Police and Sheriff’s Departments and its municipalities – Avondale Estates, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake and Stone Mountain.

“Many of our officers on the streets are young men and women,” says DeKalb County Police Chief Bill O’Brien. “If they are disabled or lose their lives while performing their duty, the quality of life of their families, spouses or children can also be affected. The additional financial support provided by the DPA policy helps minimize that possibility. Our officers appreciate this benefit, while we hope they never actually have to use it.”

The coverage guaranteed by the DPA policy is unprecedented in the metro Atlanta. Year round, the organization’s volunteer board of directors solicits donations from individuals, businesses and community organizations to pay for the premiums. Since its inception, the DPA policy has paid benefits to the families of three fallen officers, the most recent incident occurring last year in the Doraville Police Department.  

On Feb. 11, the DPA will host its 5th Annual Police Ball, “Hearts for Heroes,” from 6 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. at the Thalia N. Carlos Hellenic Community Center to raise funds for the policy and other support programs. The ball features dining, dancing, a live auction and awards honoring outstanding police officers. Attendance is open to the public but paid reservations are required. Tickets and sponsor opportunities are available online or by calling 678-362-0392.