100 Club protects and serves families of fallen Arizona officers, firefighters

PHOENIX – Phoenix Police Officer Paul Rutherford made a career of protecting and serving the community.

When the 23-year department veteran died Thursday after being hit by a vehicle, the 100 Club of Arizona was there to serve and protect his family.

For decades, the group has been providing financial assistance and other support for police officers killed in the line of duty.

That mission has expanded over the years to include all firefighters, federal agents and correctional, probation and parole officers who were serving in Arizona, according to the group’s website.

When a tragedy like Thursday’s strikes, the nonprofit organization immediately provides a $15,000 benefit for the fallen hero’s family.

Our hearts are with the @phoenixpolice and the colleagues, family and friends of Officer Paul Rutherford who lost his life this morning. #EOW #fallenofficer #phoenixpolicedepartment pic.twitter.com/XO8c7VJVMF

— 100 Club of Arizona (@100ClubAZ) March 21, 2019

That helps cover funeral expenses and, if needed, the cost of travel and hotels for family members from outside the area, 100 Club CEO Angela Harrolle told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Friday.

But the support doesn’t stop there.

“We know that his journey is not just a week to two weeks long,” Harrolle said.

“This is going to take a lifetime, and we really pride ourselves on building those relationships and taking care of them for the years to come.”

Rutherford, 51, died after being struck by an SUV while responding to a separate collision near 75th Avenue and Indian School Road.

He left behind a wife, two adult sons and a grandchild, the third family the 100 Club has assisted this year.

“Last year we lost a total of five, and we continue to help every year in line-of-duty deaths and also non line-of-line-duty deaths, and we also support them in the event that they’re injured in the line of duty,” Harrolle said.

Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of @phoenixpolice officer Paul Rutherford. If you would like to help his family in this tough time, please contact the @100ClubAZ. pic.twitter.com/ZS5PCgCQJ0

— Arizona Hotshots (@aafhotshots) March 22, 2019

She said anybody wanting to help can visit the 100 Club’s Facebook page to volunteer or make donations. Contributions also can be made by texting FALLEN to 243725.

The group surpassed its $15,000 fundraising goal in less than 24 hours.

Appearing on KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Bruce St. James and Pamela Hughes Show, Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams said Friday she was grateful for the community’s support.

“People are outpouring their souls and their spirits,” she said. “They’re having fundraisers for us, they’re bringing cookies, cakes, donuts.”

Williams said the nonprofit Phoenix Police Foundation also is taking donations online, 100 percent of which will go to Rutherford’s family.

Phoenix Police Officers surrounded by faith leaders and citizens at prayer vigil outside of the Maryvale Precinct after the death Officer Paul Rutherford. ⁦@KTAR923⁩ pic.twitter.com/gvX8yCojGK

— Jim Cross (@Crossfire923) March 22, 2019

A prayer vigil for Rutherford was held outside the Maryvale Precinct of the Phoenix Police Department on Friday morning.

All day Monday, the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association will hold a fundraising breakfast and cookout for the Rutherford family. It will run from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. at 1102 W. Adams St.

Harrolle noted that there’s no reason to wait for a tragic loss to show appreciation.

“I tell people all the time, just please say thank you to our law enforcement officers and our firefighters out there every day that continuing to serve and risk their lives when they go to work every morning,” she said.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Martha Maurer contributed to this report.

Follow @KTAR923