Peace Officers Research Association of California
Public safety has always been a dangerous profession, and our members put their lives on the line each and every day to help keep our families and communities safe. As part of POREF, PORAC’s in-house Fund-A-Hero fundraising platform allows us to monitor and administer the fundraising process from start to finish, providing financial relief to officers and their families who have been tragically impacted by a line-of-duty death, near fatal injury or catastrophic event.
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our SEBA President and PORAC Board Member, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Sgt. Grant Ward, who courageously battled cancer and passed peacefully on February 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife, daughters, and family.
$10,595.00 raised of $100,000.00
It is with tremendous heartbreak and sadness that we share the sudden loss of Oxnard Police Department Commander Scott Aaron.
$6,646.00 raised of $20,000.00
We are reaching out to ask for support for David George, a Sergeant at the Kern County Sheriff’s Office who has served our community for 18 years. Since Memorial Day last year, David has been unable to work and was later diagnosed with Stage Four pancreatic cancer. David does not want the attention and has kept his struggle private for a long time, but now he is asking for our help.
$3,050.00 raised of $50,000.00
It is with heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of Gustavo Barroso, a beloved member of the MiraCosta Police Department family, who tragically passed away in his sleep at just 29 years old. Gus was more than a dedicated police officer—he was a son, brother, and friend whose kindness and generosity touched everyone he met.
$995.00 raised of $10,000.00
We are fundraising on behalf of Deputy Wil Herrera, a 20-year veteran peace officer. Wil is currently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and beginning his battle with this horrible disease. Wil is a dedicated father to three boys, a loving partner to his significant other, and a friend to countless others.
$19,638.00 raised of $50,000.00
On August 17th, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Officer Chad Volheim collapsed while responding to what should have been a routine call in Alpine County. Despite experiencing alarming symptoms—numbness, dizziness, chest pain, and a sense of fading consciousness—his episode was initially dismissed as heat stroke. Since that day, Chad’s health has continued to decline. He is now fully bedridden and unable to work, suffering from increasingly debilitating neurological symptoms.
$6,340.00 raised of $40,000.00
My name is Marcus Mitchell, and my world changed the day I was told I have Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Nothing can prepare you for a moment like that. The news hit my family and me like a storm we never saw coming. Since then, every day has been a mix of fear, hope, and a determination I never knew I’d need. My greatest worry is my daughter, Imani — her future, her security, and the moments I’m fighting so hard to stay here for.
$930.00 raised of $100,000.00
We are reaching out today with heavy hearts and a sense of urgency to ask for your support for Lathrop Police Officer Aaron Vanlue and his family as they face the toughest battle of their lives. Officer Vanlue has recently received a devastating diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer, which has continued to spread.
$12,600.00 raised of $100,000.00
On September 16, 2025, PORAC member Officer Mitchell Collier suffered a seizure while at an arcade with his young sons, Max and Sam. Thanks to the quick thinking of Max alerting others for help, Officer Collier was swiftly taken to the hospital, where he stayed at the ER and SICU for over ten days receiving care. CT scans revealed that he had a brain AVM (arteriovenous malformation)—a dangerous condition where blood vessels are tangled, causing abnormal blood flow that can trigger seizures.
$9,175.00 raised of $50,000.00
