LVMPD Foundation Funds 1,000 Backpacks For Local Students

Over 1,000 backpacks will be dispersed to Clark County school children thanks to the Las Vegas Metro Police Department.

As the new school year approaches, the LVMPD Foundation is gearing up to support students in Las Vegas with their Back-to-School initiative. Collaborating with the LVMPD Office of Community Engagement and the 10 LVMPD Area Commands, the foundation will pick up the backpacks -- filled with school supplies -- at Walmart, located at 4505 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89102. This heartwarming initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens for families and foster positive community-police engagement in the region, according to a press release from the police department.

The event will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 1, starting at 8:30 a.m. On that same day, the 10 LVMPD area commands will distribute the backpacks and essential school supplies throughout their respective neighborhoods, the press release states. This outreach effort is a key component of building trust and rapport between law enforcement and the communities they serve. By supporting students with the tools they need for academic success, the LVMPD Foundation helps create a stronger sense of unity and support within the local community.

The Back-To-School initiative is made possible by the generous sponsorship of community partners, including Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Health Solutions, Health Plan of Nevada—a UnitedHealthcare company, and private donors. A $50.00 donation will fund a premium backpack filled with essential school supplies for students in need in Southern Nevada, the press release said.

Members of the public are encouraged to participate in this noble cause by sponsoring a student for $50.00, supporting ten students with a $500.00 contribution, or even sponsoring an entire classroom with a donation of $1,500.00. To make it convenient, individuals can easily contribute by texting "GIVE" to (725) 217-1807.

The LVMPD Foundation's Back-to-School initiative not only lightens the financial load for families preparing for the new school year but also demonstrates the power of collaboration and compassion within the community. By supporting the education and well-being of local students, this initiative plays a crucial role in ensuring that every child has access to the resources they need to succeed academically. Together, through these positive community engagement activities, the LVMPD Foundation and its partners strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of students and their families in Las Vegas.

Each state possesses unique features that distinguish it from others, and this extends to its state patrol vehicles. Over the past decade, the American Association of State Troopers has organized an annual competition to determine the best-looking patrol cruiser among the states.

Virtually all state police agencies participate by submitting a photo of their finest patrol vehicle in hopes of having it featured on the association's yearly calendar. The sales of this calendar contribute to the American Association of State Troopers Foundation, which offers educational scholarships to dependents of troopers who are association members.

According to the association's website, the contest initially started as a friendly rivalry between the state agencies, but it has evolved into an enjoyable and positive way for community members to support and engage with law enforcement.

In the previous year, Kentucky secured the cover spot on the 2023 calendar as the winner of the contest. However, this year, the competition is fierce, and Nevada seems to be a strong contender. As of yesterday, at around 4 p.m., Nevada had taken the lead with over 104,700 votes, though Florida was close behind, trailing by only about 60 votes.

The current top 5 states in the contest are Nevada, Florida, California, Indiana, and Kentucky. To boost their chances, the Nevada State Police are actively encouraging their supporters to cast their votes through their social media channels, where they have gained substantial attention and positive feedback.

Someone commented on Facebook, "At first I liked the navy-blue vehicles but those silver/grey ones are pretty awesome and kinda blend in very well." Another person prefers the beauty of the patrol cruiser from a distance. Most of us would agree unless you enjoy the view of flashing lights from your rearview mirror.

The contest attracts a significant number of votes daily, making it a highly engaging event. Anyone can participate by casting their vote until July 31, with Survey Monkey's rules allowing only one vote per device during the contest period. You can cast your vote here.

Take a look at some of the competition below.

California Highway Patrol showcases their mesmerizing Chevy Tahoe Patrol vehicle, with their CHP Helicopter in the sky. Their photo looks like it's straight out of an action movie with the dramatics of dust blowing in the air and a helicopter whirling in the sky. As of yesterday, they are in third place with over 95,000 votes.

"We’re in it to win it and take home the three-peat! Vote for KSP to be named the best looking cruiser in the nation," says their Instgram post. Kentucky was last year's winner. As of yesterday, they're in fifth place with over 65,000 votes.

Georgia State Patrol is pushing for more votes on their social media pages. "You can't tell us Indiana State Police, Florida Highway Patrol, Kentucky State Police, and California Highway Patrol all have better looking patrol cars than the blue and gray!" they wrote on Instagram. They're currently sitting at sixth place with more than 52,000 votes.

Michigan State Police's photo features a Chevy Tahoe and a Bell UH-1H (Huey) helicopter. While not in the lead, their troopers are making their mark with more then 20,000 votes. To be fair, their car is up against a pretty impressive lineup. Florida has an alligator in front of their patrol cruiser.

Arizona is giving it their all, but they've got quite a way to go with just a little over 2,000 votes. But their car looks great along their mountain backdrop. After seeing some of their Instagram comments, their state is definitely rooting for a win. Who know, maybe they'll make a comeback by the deadline.