The Atlanta Police Foundation (APF) hosted one of Atlanta’s most impactful and widely recognized signature events on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, bringing together over 1,000 leaders from Atlanta’s business and philanthropic communities to honor the dedication of the Atlanta Police Department (APD) and raise critical funds for public safety initiatives.

The event highlighted the vital public-private partnerships that contribute to Atlanta’s success, while honoring exceptional APD officers and city employees with prestigious awards such as Officer of the Year, Purple Heart, Civilian of the Year, and Medal of Honor. These honors reflect the unwavering dedication and bravery of sworn and non-sworn personnel who work tirelessly to protect and serve the citizens of Atlanta.

In addition to the awards ceremony, attendees received important updates on the city’s public safety efforts. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens delivered the State of Public Safety address, while Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum presented the State of the Force address, highlighting the department’s progress and ongoing challenges.

This year’s event focused on two key priorities: Officer Wellness and APD’s recruitment and retention efforts. The APF aimed to raise $550,000 to support the recruitment of 500 new officers and to expand mental health support services for the men and women who serve in law enforcement. This year’s event raised $626,000.

Key sponsors of this year’s event included Atlanta Gas Light, Cox Enterprises, Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), Delta Air Lines, UPS, Georgia-Pacific, and Georgia World Congress Center.

For more information on APF programs and signature events, visit atlantapolicefoundation.org.