The unpredictable nature of the law enforcement profession is part of what makes the job so unique — and so dangerous. Officers never know what will happen during the course of their law enforcement careers. That’s why, if tragedy strikes —  whether a line-of-duty death, catastrophic event or near-fatal injury — officers and their families deserve the opportunity for financial relief to help get them back on their feet.

In an effort to help our heroes in blue and their families during a time of great need, the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) created Fund a Hero, an in-house fundraising platform specifically developed for law enforcement, by law enforcement.

Unlike other online fundraising and crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe and JustGiving, PORAC’s Fund a Hero does not subtract costly fees from the overall funds raised in a campaign, with 100% of the proceeds going safely and securely to the recipients. One of the many benefits LAAPOA offers is membership in PORAC, which means our members and their families will have the opportunity for financial support if they qualify.

LAAPOA recently had two of our own receive tragic blows, resulting in Fund a Hero campaigns being set up for them and their families as they go through this difficult time. These are their stories:

A Promising Career Cut Short

Officer Teresa Arizaga was proudly sworn in to the Los Angeles Airport Police Department in 2017. She served as the vice president of LAPD Academy Class 3-17 and was formerly an Airport Police security officer and LAPD detention officer. Officer Arizaga had high hopes and dreams to become a valuable asset to LAXPD, but sadly, just one year into her promising career, she sustained and survived a traumatic brain injury that has now, unfortunately, damaged her overall health and her life’s trajectory. Officer Arizaga is in need of assistance to cover her extensive medical expenses. Anything that you can donate will be greatly appreciated. To help Officer Arizaga and her family, please visit porac.org/fundraiser/laapoa_officerarizaga.

Born to Serve

Protecting and serving is in Officer Geramie Eleazar’s DNA. He has been a dedicated law enforcement officer since October 8, 2001, and prior to that, he served 11 years of active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard.

This March, Officer Eleazar began experiencing severe stomach pain and internal bleeding due to hypertension medication he began taking in 2011. His doctors conducted an endoscopy, which revealed ulcers in his upper GI tract. Despite treatment, the bleeding persisted. 

Six months later, Officer Eleazar’s gastroenterologist discovered a mass in his colon that was not only bleeding but also causing a significant blockage in his digestive tract, which led to a diagnosis of stage 3 colon cancer.

On October 2, Officer Eleazar underwent surgery to remove the mass. The recovery period for this type of procedure is estimated to be around three months. Officer Eleazar has bravely served his community for many years and now finds himself facing not only health challenges, but also financial burdens associated with his medical expenses. Every contribution will go toward covering Officer Eleazar’s medical bills, treatment and the support he needs during his recovery. To help with Officer Eleazar’s recovery, please visit porac.org/fundraiser/officer-eleazar.

“In our law enforcement family, unity and support aren’t just ideals — they’re our guiding principles,” LAAPOA President Marshall McClain says. “Officers Arizaga and Eleazar have dedicated their lives to serving and protecting our community, and now they need us more than ever. By lending our collective strength and generosity, we can show them that they are never alone on their journey to recovery. Together, we can make a difference, and together, we can be the source of hope and assistance they need during this difficult chapter in their lives.”