Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Goffstown Police Association to aid the youth of the community, participate in crime prevention activities, advance the science and training of police officers, promote safety, obtain police equipment to better serve the public, and provide relief to members during times of need.
History of the Goffstown Police Association
The first organizational meeting of the Goffstown Police Association was held on April 22, 1958, by then current and retired members of the Goffstown Police Department. The founding members realized a need to extend the relationship of Police Department personnel to the youth and the citizenry of the community, beyond the customary police contact. Membership is comprised of sworn police officers, non-sworn civilians employed at the Police Department and retired employees.
Youth
From its inception, the Goffstown Police Association has sponsored a Little League Team as part of its commitment to area youth; organized school safety patrols; sponsored safety campaigns for young people; and worked with teenagers on a variety of projects.
The GPA has supported the Goffstown Police Explorers by donating funds annually to pay for tuition to send Goffstown Police Explorers to the New Hampshipre Police Cadet Training Academy. Every year, the Association provides scholarship monies to graduates of Goffstown High School.
Crime Prevention
The Goffstown Police Association has sponsored many crime prevention programs in the last forty years. Self-defense classes, home and business security seminars, drug and alcohol abuse classes, and child abuse and neglect meetings.
Police Advancement
The continuous training of police officers is both time-consuming and expensive. With limited budgets, towns face a quandary. The training of the police force in the latest techniques regarding use of force issues requires monies for firearms, self-defense tactics and non-lethal weapons training, such as OC Spray. Any town must realize the threat of lawsuits if adequate training is not provided. The GPA has provided funding over the years to enhance the training of officers, thereby relieving some financial burden on the town.
Promote Safety
Police officers inherently promote safety every day. The GPA, however sponsors safety days annually to bring greater attention to the citizens. The Bicycle Rodeo is held to convey to children the need to wear a helmet, proper riding techniques and obeyance of laws. Kids Safety Day is held as a means for parents to bring their children for fingerprinting and a photograph in the event of a missing child. Parents keep the photo and print card. Safety brochures are available at these events.
Police Equipment
One of the benefits of holding fund-raisers, such as the Haunted House is that the GPA can contribute to the expensive costs of outfitting officers with the latest equipment. The GPA paid for the conversion from revolvers to semi-automatic pistols for all of the officers one year and purchased a protective suit that enables a trainer to wear the garments during baton training. Recently, the Association purchased technical equipment to enhance criminal investigations.
Relief
The Goffstown Police Association provides financial relief to its members during a crisis. Insurances do not cover all potential costs that may be incurred. This relief has greatly benefited members thoughout the years.
Partnerships
The men and women of the Goffstown Police Association have been fortunate over the years to have worked with other organizations within the Town to promote and support some of these events. This Esprit de Corps has been a benefit to the citizens of Goffstown. Members provide volunteer assistance at Association events.
Every August, the Association partners with the American Red Cross and hosts a blood drive at the YMCA. Watch for notices.
Funding
The Association also thanks the citizens for their support over the years. Donations have helped us achieve our many goals. The Goffstown Police Association is a non-profit organization. Annual fundraisers have included the raffle of a Harley Davidson motorcycle and a Segway Human Transporter. Other fundraisers include basketball and football games.
The Association contributes annually to scholarships, DARE, Camp Fatima, Babe Ruth, and Safety Days, including Car Seat Safety Checkpoints.
In Addition, Association members participate every year in the Crispin House Softball Game Fundraiser. The game is usually held the last week of July at the Villa playing fields. Watch for notices.