Hearts of Gold
Summer 2023 Newsletter
The Gala is just a few weeks away!

2023 'Proud to be Blue' Gala
For Current and Retired TPD Members

Just a few tickets and rooms are still available for current and retired TPD members. Public sponsorships are also still available for this amazing event!
Scan the QR codes below to get your tickets, sponsorships, and rooms!
2023 Unity Ride
Hearts of Gold had the honor of supporting Chief Kasmar and several other Department Members as they participated in the 2023 Unity Ride. This is an annual event that raises awareness of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty and raises funds for several national law enforcement charitable organizations. It culminates in Washington DC for National Police Week. The TPD members participating joined over 1,000 other law enforcement officers for the 250-mile ride.
Along the route they met many families of fallen officers. Hearts of Gold supported the ride financially and provided Beanie Bears and challenge coins for the team to hand out to the families along the way. We are so proud of these awesome Department Members who represented TPD in this event honoring fallen officers across the country.
Department Wellness Grants
The Pride for the Patch Fitness Challenge began in 2018 when members of the Marana Police Department Challenged Southern Arizona Law Enforcement agencies to change their body composition.

The Tucson Police Department Commissioned and Professional Staff yearly has been the largest team. Members of the TPD wellness team have also stepped up and been a driving force in assisting with coordinating and encouraging participation in the challenge. Since 2020, TPD’s Wellness team has utilized our departments InBody Body Competition Scanner to weigh in and out all participants as well as calculate all the results. This year, Detective Natalie Pike submitted a Wellness Grant request to assist with funding this competition as well as an intermural inter-agency sport day. Hearts of Gold was proud to help with this effort to improve the overall health and wellness of our Department members. Congratulations Natalie and congratulations to the winners of the challenge!
In December 2022, Sergeant Rich Legarra submitted a Wellness Grant Request for a training to address PTSD in the Special Operations Community. In March, the trainers presented to members of the TPD Swat Team, Hostage Negotiation Team, K-9 Unit, and EOD Unit. Hearts of Gold is proud to have supported this training to improve the overall health and wellness of these Department members. Thank you to Sergeant Legarra for identifying this need and submitting the request!
Gaslight Tickets Now on Sale!
Financial Planning
Tom Vetrano is an inaugural member of the Hearts of Gold Board serving the past 4 years as Board Chair. Tom is committed to the first responder community and has been helping people achieve their financial goals for nearly 40 years. Tom is the trusted financial advisor for hundreds of first responders.
Need Help With Financial Planning?
Hearts of Gold is committed to ensuring that all Department members have access to financial planning assistance. If you would like to take advantage of a free, no commitment, one-hour financial planning meeting through Vetrano Financial Services, please email:
Additional Assistance
TPD Pantry
The TPD Pantry is available to all Department members who may be   struggling to make ends meet. We provide basic household items like diapers, formula, baby wipes, food, and other necessities in times of need. You do not need to be a Hearts of Gold participant to utilize this program. Simply contact one of the BSU representatives below to request needed items. Confidentiality is paramount.

How do I request items from the TPD Pantry?

Sergeant Alfonso Carranza
520-561-9113

Sergeant Tamra Thomas
520-589-8742
Police Departments all over the nation continue to suffer preventable tragedies related to suicide. Hearts of Gold wants ALL current and retired Department members to know they are supported and have options if they need help. These magnets have been distributed to all substations as a reminder of that support. Our hope is to see these magnets throughout all of the various work locations to remind members that they have support in many ways and are never alone. 
Merchandise
With your suggestions and feedback, we continue to add to our Hearts of Gold merchandise selection. Our newest addition is the Hearts of Gold Insulated tumbler which was very popular at Family Day. They are $25 and will be available exclusively at the Gala in August.
Benefits of Hearts of Gold Participation
  • Minimum $5 per paycheck payroll contributions are 100% voluntary.
  • Deduction appears as “PS Foundation” on paystub.
  • Provides financial assistance to sworn and professional staff Department members and their immediate families who have suffered a catastrophic event that has caused financial hardship.
  • 100% tax deductible as Hearts of Gold is a 501(c)(3).
  • Retirees are now eligible to participate and receive assistance
  • To sign up for Hearts of Gold click the Enrollment Form link, fill out the form, scan and email the completed form to
info@tucsonheartsofgold.org.
  • Please allow 2 pay periods for deductions to begin. 
Connect with Hearts of Gold
Newest Board Member
Hilary Mahoney
Hilary has worked in child welfare and behavioral health for 20 years. She works for Banner University Family Care as the Children’s System of Care Associate Director. In this role, Hilary works to ensure the contracted network of behavioral health providers is able to meet the needs of children and families across Arizona. Hilary received her Bachelor’s degree from University of Portland and a Master of Public Health from the University of Arizona. Hilary is proudly married to a member of the law enforcement community and joined the board to support other LEO families. Hilary is excited to join the Hearts of Gold team!
If you haven't checked out our website, head over to Tucson Hearts of Gold and learn about all of the ways we support the Department and Southern Arizona Law Enforcement.
Click on the links below to learn more about our programs, and to hear testimonials from participants who have received assistance as well as an endorsement from our very own Chief Kasmar.
We want to hear from you!
The Hearts of Gold Board of Directors wants to hear from you! Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to respond to the various surveys we have put out. We have created easy links to share your experiences and let us know how we can improve and enhance our programs, communication and service. Your responses are anonymous and are seen by all Board members. If you have a compliment, concern, or idea, please consider taking a few moments to leave it on the survey. We value your input!