CHELTENHAM, Md. - In a heartwarming gesture of compassion and community, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) Cheltenham Training Delivery Point sponsored an Angel Tree program this holiday season, supporting 42 children from the DC, Maryland, and Virginia chapters of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) Cheltenham, Md., Dec. 13, 2024. These children, each of whom lost a parent in the line of duty, received gifts purchased or handcrafted by FLETC employees.

On Friday morning, Cindy Carter, representative of the Washington, DC Chapter of C.O.P.S., collected the gifts to ensure their timely delivery before Christmas. Touched by the generosity, Carter shared her gratitude with Assistant Director Mark Adamchik, Staff Director Jennifer Pellegrini, and Staff Assistant Brenda Bowen. "The kids will appreciate knowing the law enforcement community remembers and honors their loved ones," she remarked.

This initiative builds upon FLETC Cheltenham’s ongoing partnership with C.O.P.S., which includes hosting children during National Police Memorial Week for special activities. Such efforts underscore FLETC’s commitment to supporting the broader law enforcement family, reflecting its core values of integrity, respect, and mission excellence.

Since its founding in 1984, C.O.P.S. has grown from 110 members to over 80,000 survivors, encompassing spouses, children, parents, co-workers, and others impacted by line-of-duty deaths. The organization provides resources to help survivors rebuild their lives, including scholarships, counseling programs, retreats, and peer support networks. By fostering community and healing, C.O.P.S. ensures survivors are never alone in their grief.

Each year, between 140 and 160 officers die in the line of duty, leaving behind families and colleagues grappling with profound loss. C.O.P.S. steps in to bridge this gap, offering solace and practical support. Their mission aligns closely with FLETC’s own dedication to serving the law enforcement profession and its communities.

FLETC’s Angel Tree program demonstrates how the law enforcement community comes together, not only to train and protect but also to honor the sacrifices made by its members and their families. This act of kindness illuminates the spirit of the season and reinforces the enduring bond within the law enforcement community.