Writers’ Police Academy Donates To GTCC Foundation

WPA donates to GTCC

 

The Writers’ Police Academy is an event like no other. Those of you who’ve attended the WPA have seen the size and scope of the event, and you know what a monster it must be to plan and organize. Actually, it’s a massive undertaking involving well over 100 dedicated planners, law enforcement professionals, forensics experts, EMS personnel, firefighters, volunteers, speakers, and others. Hundreds of hours and hard work go into planning the WPA.

Not only are we tasked with coming up with a fantastic program each year, we have to be sure our hands-on workshops are safe. After all, we’re not the typical writers conference. Our attendees don’t sit in hotel meeting rooms for hours on end. Instead, our recruits train at an actual police/fire/EMS academy, and we want you to have the experience of a lifetime—a writer’s Disneyland! Without a doubt, though, the effort is extremely worthwhile.

And then there are the “recruits,” the writers who attend to shoot, drive, handcuff, and fingerprint for nearly three days. There’s door-kicking, underwater evidence recovery (someone may actually get to suit up next year and do a little diving with the team), shallow graves, firefighting, gunshot wounds to treat, police k-9’s, and much, much more! And we get bigger and better each year. 2013 will be no exception. Man, have we ever got some excitement in store for next year!!

Of course, we can’t forget all the generous people who donate books and other items for the raffle and silent auction. And, our wonderful sponsors and guest presenters who help make the WPA possible each and every year…thank you so much. Your kindness and generosity is very much appreciated. We couldn’t do this without you. *A special thank you to Sisters in Crime!

Anyway, you guys know how this works…we pay all the bills, set aside a little for the next year’s start-up, and then donate the remaining funds to GTCC’s criminal justice foundation. The money is used to supplement the college’s strained public safety training and education budget. Remember, the dozens of police, fire, forensics, and EMS professionals all donate their time to help you, so it’s only proper that we, in turn, give back to them!

So, I’ve said all that to say this…Yesterday, Denene and I traveled to the campus of Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC), the home of the Writers’ Police Academy, to present the WPA’s 2012 donation to the Criminal Justice Technology Foundation. Receiving the check from me (pictured above) is Eric Holloman, chair of the criminal justice department. Also pictured, from left to right, are Denene Lofland, Sandra Neal, and Andy Russell.

So, before I reveal the amount, could I have a drum roll, please…

Here goes.

This year, thanks to all of you, we were pleased to present the foundation with a check in the amount of $12,300.00. That brings our donation total to over $30,000.00 over the past three years.

Again, we could not do this without your support. Therefore, on behalf of the Writers’ Police Academy and everyone involved, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

See you in 2013!

16 replies
  1. Shirley McKinnon
    Shirley McKinnon says:

    Wow! Now that’s what I call a win/win. Well done, proud to be associated with this group and hope to attend one day. Living in Aussie, it’s a bit of a challenge to get there, but am green with envy when I read about what you can learn there. Well done.

  2. Barbara Dolny-Bombar
    Barbara Dolny-Bombar says:

    Excellent! WPA 2012 was my first – I’m looking forward to the next. Thanks to all who make it possible!

  3. Patti Phillips
    Patti Phillips says:

    We salute the Loflands who have staged this event year after year, and made it better each time. How is that possible? With talent, organization, dedicated volunteers, and lots of 24 hour days…and a sincere interest in the writers getting it right on the page. There is no other conference like it anywhere. Delighted to have been a part of it and happy to see that there will be a 2013 WPA!!!

    Congratulations on being able to donate $30,000. over the years to such a worthy group. 🙂

  4. Elizabeth
    Elizabeth says:

    You guys are the greatest! I am so happy to be a participant–for the good it does me and the good it does for GTCC.

  5. Jordan
    Jordan says:

    Thanks Lee for putting all this together! And a big thanks to those at the college for all that they do. I’m so glad we can help them out in such a big way!

    And I’m already over excited for next year. OMG, is it September yet?

  6. Barbara Graham
    Barbara Graham says:

    That’s a wonderful bit of news. Education and donation–hand in hand. I was able to attend last year and learned all kinds of wonderful things. I hope I can make it in 2013.

  7. Mel Parish
    Mel Parish says:

    It truly is an amazing event – I thought I was dreaming when I first heard about the academy – what more could a writer want? And so wonderful that the benefits are not all one way. A huge thanks to you Lee for bringing it all together (and for arranging another one next year!).

  8. Lee Lofland
    Lee Lofland says:

    Remember, the overall total is $30,000! And the funds are used to train new first responders as well as in-service training for veterans. This is a good thing for the entire community, and communities across the region. And, it’s the best there is for writers all across the country, and Canada.

  9. Coco
    Coco says:

    The merits of the Writers Police Academy and all the people involved have spoken! $12,300 to the GTCC Foundation is fantastic.

  10. Holly McClure
    Holly McClure says:

    So much fun, so educational, and making a contribution to these great folks. Excellent. Lee and Denene, you guys rock. The library ladies, the Sisters in Crime, and all the law enforcement pros who instructed us are the greatest.

  11. Sarah Bewley
    Sarah Bewley says:

    That’s fantastic. The WPA is an amazing event, and I’m really glad that it gives back to the wonderful people there.

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