Event raises funds for lifesaving equipment for FMPD

Dan Viden, Mark Odjick, Charlier Costa & Mark Rambo

Dan Viden, Mark Odjick, Charlier Costa & Mark Rambo

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 27, 2016) – The 2016 Larry J. Romano Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit the Fort Myers Police Foundation raised $18,000.

“We are extremely thankful to all the sponsors and players of this year’s event,” said FMPF board member Paul Fratello. “We look forward to continuing Larry’s legacy of ‘doing’ through the ongoing fundraising work of the Fort Myers Police Foundation on behalf of the FMPD.”

Romano passed away suddenly in July at the age of 75. After retiring to Fort Myers, he helped start the Fort Myers Police Foundation in 2014.

This was the third year of this golf tournament that raises funds to purchase lifesaving equipment for the Fort Myers Police Department. Since its formation, the Police Foundation has raised more than $150,000 that has helped purchase medical kits for patrol cars, ballistic shields, electronic ear protection for shooting ranges, a firearms training simulator and more.

The winning team with a score of 61 was Wayne Chevalier, Robert Schnall, Greg K. Beauchamp and Rick Reichenbach.

In June, the FMPD received a Meggitt Training Simulator donated by the Foundation. The Meggitt FATS® L7 compact training simulator effectively supports marksmanship and judgmental training needs of law enforcement, paramilitary and security personnel. The one-screen configuration includes both marksmanship training and video training modes to provide a multi-tiered program. The judgmental training enhances the understanding of shoot/don’t shoot situations and the corresponding decision making process. The system is capable of supporting training of multiple trainees simultaneously, using up to eight system controlled weapons, during judgmental video training, thus allowing them to engage in team training. During individual marksmanship training, the system emulates a gun range design that serves as a training environment where each trainee may shoot a different exercise, and in accordance with range safety/spacing guidelines, the system can support training of up to four trainees simultaneously.

The Fort Myers Police Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose goal is to help build a stronger bond between the community and its local police department.

Bill Weber & Tomas Jurado

Bill Weber & Tomas Jurado

Carolyn Romano & Terry Dillow

Carolyn Romano & Terry Dillow

David Rose & Bob Radley

David Rose & Bob Radley

Dennis Eads & Paul Fratello

Dennis Eads & Paul Fratello

Kumar Raman & Joe Simard

Kumar Raman & Joe Simard

Rick Dickenback, Wayne Chevalier, Greg Beachamp & Bob Schnell

Rick Dickenback, Wayne Chevalier, Greg Beachamp & Bob Schnell

Rick Dickenback, Wayne Chevalier, Greg Beachamp & Bob Schnell

Rick Dickenback, Wayne Chevalier, Greg Beachamp & Bob Schnell