About Our Foundation
The Kern County 999 Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization assisting the families of Kern County Peace Officers who have died in the line of duty since 2007.
The Kern County 999 Foundation was formed after the tragic death of Deputy William “Joe” Hudnall who was killed on Tuesday, November 14, 2006, by Daniel Willsey, 46, of Montrose, California, who was under the influence of a controlled substance. In response to Hudnall’s untimely death, several officers came together and organized a fundraiser to benefit his four children. In a period of two weeks, the event received donations totaling close to $17,000 for the Hudnall family. Out of this emotional and tragic event, the Kern County Officer Down Support Ride was formed. There have been over 50 officers and department volunteers killed in the line of duty in Kern County over the years. Our organization was formed to honor those fallen heroes and financially help their survivors. The Board of Directors and Ride organizers are full time or retired law enforcement officers in Kern County.
OUR MISSION
The Kern County 999 Foundation, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to recognize and honor Kern County's fallen peace officers who gave their lives 'In The Line of Duty' serving the citizens of this great county and provide support to the family members left behind.
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HISTORY OF THE CALIFORNIA PEACE OFFICERS' MEMORIAL
OFFICERS’ MEMORIAL
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Currently, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. The Memorial Service began in 1982 as a gathering in Senate Park of approximately 120 survivors and supporters of law enforcement. Decades later, the event, more commonly known as National Police Week, has grown to a series of events which attracts thousands of survivors and law enforcement officers to our Nation’s Capital each year. Each year during the week of May 15, groups of people gather together to honor the memory of a member of their family. Surviving spouses grieving a lost partner; children missing a parent; older couples who have survived their son or daughter; brothers, sisters, fellow peace officers – so many of us commemorate National Police Week as participants of a Peace Officers’ Memorial Service. California Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremonies have been conducted in the State Capitol since 1977. It is a ceremony that honors the officers who have fallen in the line-of-duty the preceding year, recognizing the sacrifice of those loved and left behind. We understand that the grief of the loss still lingers on, and such proceedings renew unhappy memories and can be the occasion of additional pain. However, it is important that those of us left behind, recognize that these officers did not die in vain. The people owe a debt to those who have given their lives, and the peace officers of this state want this memory to stay fresh in the minds of the citizens. That is why we must revisit these unhappy memories each year on that day set aside to reflect on courage and sacrifice; and, to assure that their loss will not be forgotten, and the survivors will always be a part of the police community.
