Public safety is a 24-hour commitment. Sworn officers, dispatchers, records staff, forensic specialists, property and evidence personnel, analysts, and many others work behind the scenes and on the front lines to serve Sacramento. SPF’s Recognition and Appreciation program helps the community show its gratitude in practical, meaningful ways throughout the year.
Caring for Those on Duty
Many SPD employees spend holidays and major community events away from their own families. SPF helps provide meals and refreshments for personnel working on Thanksgiving Day and across day, swing, and graveyard shifts on Christmas, including employees in the Communications Center. These gestures may be simple, but they remind employees that their service and sacrifice are seen and valued.
SPF also supports personnel during some of Sacramento’s largest annual events, when teams work extended hours to manage safety, traffic, communications, and public needs. Community donations help provide accessible meals, beverages, breakfast, coffee, and refreshments so employees can remain supported throughout long operational days.
Recognizing Every Part of the Team
Effective policing depends on many specialized roles. Throughout the year, SPF recognizes employees during national appreciation weeks for dispatchers, records personnel, forensic science professionals, property and evidence staff, and crime and intelligence analysts. Recognition activities give the community an opportunity to learn about these essential functions and thank the people whose expertise supports public safety every day.
Building Connection and Honoring Service
SPF supports team-building and memorial events that strengthen connection, wellness, and shared purpose across the Department. These include the Baker to Vegas Relay and the Police Unity Tour, which create opportunities for camaraderie, remembrance, physical challenge, and reflection. Supporting these experiences helps employees build relationships beyond their day-to-day assignments and honors those who have served.
Annual recognition calendar
| Month | Recognition or support |
|---|---|
| March | Property and Evidence Appreciation; Baker to Vegas Relay |
| April | Dispatcher Appreciation |
| May | Police Unity Tour |
| September | Forensic Science Appreciation; Crime and Intelligence Analysts Appreciation |
| November | Records Appreciation; Thanksgiving on-duty meals |
| December | Christmas meals for day, swing, and graveyard shifts and the Communications Center |
Major city event support
SPF helps care for on-duty personnel during large annual events that require extended staffing and coordinated public-safety support. The anticipated needs below can serve as a public-facing example of how donated funds and in-kind contributions are used.
| Timing | Annual event | Personnel | Typical support |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | Shamrock Half Marathon | Approximately 70 | Breakfast and coffee |
| May | Police Memorial | Variable | Coffee and pastries |
| June | Pride Festival and Women’s Run | 80+ | Meals and drinks |
| August | JALO Music Festival | 100+ | Meals and drinks |
| October | Aftershock, GoldenSky, and Ironman | 230+ | Full meal support |
| November and December | Run to Feed the Hungry and California International Marathon | Approximately 170 | Breakfast and coffee |
How the Community Can Help
Businesses, civic groups, and individual donors can support this work through financial gifts, donated meals or refreshments, gift cards, and event-specific sponsorships. Every contribution helps SPF respond to real needs throughout the year and offers a tangible way to thank the people who serve Sacramento.
