By Dan Creighton, CEO of Creighton Construction & Development

Strengthening the relationship between police and the public is necessary to ensure safe communities. It’s also important for the strength of our country. Our law enforcement community is made up of men and women who risk their lives every day to maintain our society and the rule of law.

Law enforcement personnel are our boots on the ground, the visible ambassadors of our local, state and federal governments who deal with members of our community every day, never knowing for sure what may be in store for them when they put on their uniform.

It’s in recognition of this essential role that Creighton Construction & Development has been the title sponsor for the Law and Order Ball since it was started six years ago to celebrate the work of our law enforcement professionals.

The Law and Order Ball, which is Sept. 14 at Hertz Arena, honors heroes from police departments in Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Sanibel, as well as the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida SouthWestern State College and the Lee County Port Authority.

From those agencies, the Rotary Club of Fort Myers South, which hosts the annual event, will name an Officer of the Year who has demonstrated exemplary conduct, achievements and made a significant impact.

The 2019 finalists include:

• Officer Sean Adams, Lee County Port Authority Police Department;
• Deputy First Class Donna Aiossa-McNally, Lee County Sheriff’s Office;
• Staff Officer Richard Castellon, Lee County Sheriff’s Office;
• Deputy First Class Michael Elkady, Lee County Sheriff’s Office;
• Lieutenant Roger Valdivia, Fort Myers Police Department.

Guests at the Law and Order Ball can partake in cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, a raffle, as well as silent and live auctions. It’s a meaningful tribute to our local men and women in uniform — and their spouses and families who also sacrifice for our communities.

In addition to the recognition, the event raises money for the community. Proceeds flow through the Rotary Club of Fort Myers South Foundation to fund local community grants, service projects, and law enforcement youth program, as well as special needs identified by our law enforcement leaders. In it’s five years, to date, the Law and Order Ball has raised nearly $175,000 for grants and projects.

Started at the ball in 2016, a Fund-A-Need initiative helped secure 482 life-saving tactical trauma kits to help officers take life-saving steps until medical help arrives. In 2017, the initiative raised funds for high-risk and high liability training, as well as gear, including items such as tactical helmets, shields, body armor and vests, training mats, driving simulation training, shooter simulation training and AEDs (automated external defibrillator). In 2018, the Fund-A-Need raised $42,700 to supply Lee County schools and the common areas of the airport with two mass casualty kits with first aid supplies to stop bleeding and treat injuries until emergency assistance arrives.

The black-tie optional event attracts nearly 600 attendees and sells out every year. Those who cannot attend the event Sept. 14 can still show their support by contributing to Rotary’s Fund-A-Cop initiative. With a donation of $175, you can purchase a seat so a local officer or deputy can attend the event.

For ticket or sponsorship information, please visit www.LawandOrderBall.org.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dan Creighton is the CEO of Cape Coral-based Creighton Construction & Development, a local, full-service construction management company excelling in all aspects of commercial development, construction, and real estate brokerage.