Fundraiser struggles to meet $1 million goal for new Topeka law enforcement memorial

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Local law enforcement partners are struggling to meet the fundraising goal to establish a new memorial dedicated to fallen officers in Topeka.

The Topeka Police Department and Shawnee County Sheriff's Office announced on June 18 that they would be joining together to raise funds for a new Fallen Officer Memorial in Topeka after the previous one was destroyed in a crash in 2022. The fundraising goal, initially set at $900,000 but now set at $1 million, will cover the costs of the new memorial to honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

City of Topeka spokeswoman Kimberly Qualls said fundraising for the project is ongoing in November and that generous donations have been made towards the new memorial's construction. However, fundraising efforts still have much ground to cover.

"We continue to work toward our fundraising goal of $1 million for the Fallen Officer Memorial Project," Qualls said. "We are humbled by the generosity of our community, whose support grows every day. Several individuals have even launched their own fundraising efforts on behalf of the project—an incredible act of kindness and dedication. These community-led contributions alone have totaled more than $20,000."

City officials reported that during the initial project announcement, the fundraising campaign was expected to be completed by October 2025, with construction set to start early the following year. Qualls said the goal is to have the new memorial finished in May 2025 in time for Law Enforcement Memorial Week, which is held annually during that month.

"Achieving this will require continued community support," Qualls said. "We are fortunate to have strong partners in Topeka and Shawnee County—businesses and individuals who consistently step up to support public safety initiatives."

Local law enforcement is currently working on a renewed promotional campaign to raise awareness about ongoing fundraising efforts for the memorial project. The effort will help to inspire continued support from the community to keep the project on track.

"Construction cannot begin until a substantial portion of the project funding is secured," Qualls said. "While we remain optimistic, there must be a meaningful amount of financial support in place to ensure the project can move forward responsibly and without interruption."

People who want to make donations to the project can do so by sending in cash or a check or by heading online. Physical donations can be dropped off at the Law Enforcement Center in Topeka at 320 South Kansas Ave. If donating with a check, make it payable to the FOP Foundation and add the word "Memorial" to the memo line. Donations to the project are considered tax deductible as the Fraternal Order of Police Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization.

"Donations to this project represent a lasting commitment to honoring Topeka and Shawnee County’s fallen officers," Qualls said. "The new Memorial will provide a respectful, permanent place of reflection for their families, colleagues, and the community they served."

Qualls said members of the community, businesses and others are encouraged to help with the fundraising effort. She said every contribution, large or small, brings the project closer to completion.

"Our goal is to honor the Law Enforcement Officers who gave their lives while protecting our community," Qualls said. "A permanent memorial is the most visible and meaningful way to recognize their service and sacrifice. The previous memorial was destroyed when a vehicle crashed into the Law Enforcement Center parking lot, leaving our community without a dedicated place of remembrance."

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf