FEHSF protects those who protect country  

NEW YORK—The Federal Enforcement Homeland Security Foundation (FEHSF) continues to live up to its nickname of “financial first responder” thanks to the fundraisers it holds to support federal agents responsible for ensuring national security.  

On May 5, FEHSF hosted its third annual golf outing at the Alpine Country Club in Demarest, N.J. FEHSF Sargeant at Arms John B. Devito noted that 82 golfers attended the event, and although they were unable to complete 18 holes due to inclement weather, a great time was had by all, with estimated proceeds of $100,000, and more donations expected.    

“We give people a lot of fun ways to donate to the foundation,” he said. “They can buy mulligans; they can buy silent auction articles. But at the end of the day, we want everyone to come enjoy and celebrate the friendships and the common mission.”   

In addition, FEHSF will host its annual Ridge Awards Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York on Oct. 14. The awards, named after Honorary Chairman Tom Ridge – the first Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and former governor of Pennsylvania – are presented during an event that brings together more than 500 heads of federal law enforcement agencies and philanthropists to raise funds for the foundation.   

The foundation’s mandate is to provide grants to active federal agents who are seriously injured, killed in the line of duty, or facing personal tragedies and hardships while serving our country. Upon notification, funds are directed to suffering families within 24-48 hours.   

FEHSF COO Ariel K. Grossman noted that the foundation has expanded its support to all “three-letter” agencies since its formation more than two decades ago. She explained that getting grants immediately into the hands of family members of federal agents is “very streamlined.”    

“Our grant process is our main mission,” she said. “When we get a grant application in from one of the agencies, it goes through a process of approval within our executive committee, and it gets sent out within 24 to 48 hours of us receiving notice. Our checks are written directly to the families that are currently experiencing whatever the financial hardship is.”  

FEHSF Vice Chairman Min Kyriannis summed up why the foundation is needed to protect those who protect the American people.   

“This is a really good cause,” she said. “You walk around and you see the chaos that's going on around you. We need these men and women; you can't say that we don't. Until people start getting better and more understanding and caring, you're going to need people to protect them. Unfortunately, when you have people in the front line protecting, they're going to get hurt. It goes both ways.”