DALLAS—Credit unions that serve police across the country shared support for the fallen officers in Dallas as well as their families.
“I can tell you that the impact from these tragic events are still resonating not only throughout City CU but throughout our community,” said Jen Hernandez, marketing manager for City CU, the police credit union in Dallas, where five police officers were killed. “We’ve lost part of our family. The men and women of our local law enforcement are not just police officers, they are names and faces we talk to, laugh with, and help every single day. We are devastated by this tragic loss and will continue to provide support and sympathy to all of those affected.”
Hernandez did not say if any of the officers killed were credit union members, but noted that the credit union is in communication with the Dallas Police Department, Dallas Area Rapid Transit, and the Friends of the DPD Association “to see what their needs are and how we can best be of assistance.”
In Cincinnati, Barb Harper, CEO of Cincinnati Police FCU in Cincinnati, said, “I was horrified when I learned of the loss of life and the blatant, misplaced, hostility to police officers. Our police officers go to work every day, keep us safe, but never know if they will return home. This crime deeply saddens me.”
Harper said that the shootings remind her of the need to be more vocal with police officers every day about her appreciation for what they do.
“I asked my staff today to make sure, with every officer they see, to tell them to be safe and that we are grateful for their service,” Harper said.
Harper said that she expects the credit union will open an account that the community can deposit funds for the families of the slain officers, but said direction for that effort will come from the local Fraternal Order of Police.
“We set up a fund last year when Cincinnati police officer Sonny Kim was killed,” Harper said.
'Deeply Saddened'
In Columbus, Ohio, Becky Landis, CEO of the State Highway Patrol Federal Credit Union, said that the CU’s staff and members are “deeply saddened by the tremendous loss to the Dallas law enforcement community. We want to extend our deepest condolences to all affected by the tragedies across our nation this week and we want to extend our deepest gratitude to the men and women who continue to protect and serve.” Landis, whose husband is a retired police officer, added, “This really hits home for me.”
In Houston, Ayn Talley, CEO of Houston Police FCU, said her credit union “offers our condolences and prayers to the families of the officers who lost their lives in Dallas last night. This cowardly act is a national tragedy.
Talley said that her credit union is discussing ways to support the Dallas police community.
“The attack on police officers in Dallas is a stark reminder of the risk our members and the entire law enforcement community face every day to protect lives and serve the public trust,” she said.
The CEOs agreed that the shootings bring a heightened level of concern for the safety of police across the country.
“When I wait on a police officer I think about their commitment to protecting us in a dangerous world,” said Harper. “But we don’t always thank them, because we don’t always think that we may not see them again. But we have to do more of that now, thank our officers for their service, as the world is changing, and unfortunately, shootings are becoming more prevalent.”
'Call for Peace'
Meanwhile, CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle, and Tim Anderson, board chair of the African American Credit Union Coalition and president/CEO of Government Printing Office FCU, Washington D.C., issued a joint statement on behalf of America’s credit unions, calling for “peace and constructive dialogue” in the wake of violent events last week in Texas, Minnesota and Louisiana.
“We are deeply saddened by the horrific events this week in Texas, Minnesota and Louisiana," the statement read. "Peaceful leadership, trust and support must prevail. With a unified voice—and with the credit union core value of people helping people—America’s credit unions, CUNA and the African American Credit Union Coalition call for peace and constructive dialogue. America can, and must, rise above this. We can, and we will.”