The 100 Club of Arizona: Protecting Those Who Protect Us

Headquartered in Phoenix, the 100 Club of Arizona is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the men and women who stand behind the badge. The 100 Club of Arizona's mission is to provide assistance to the families of those in fire, public safety, or law enforcement who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty. Offering financial aid, emotional support, safety enhancement stipends, and scholarships, the charity supports all city, county, state, federal, and tribal fire services, public safety agencies, probation, corrections, parole, and law enforcement departments that serve the citizens of Arizona.

The concept of the “100 Club” began in Detroit in 1952 following the fatal shooting of a young officer. William M. Packer, the largest Pontiac dealer in the country and a friend of the police commissioner, wrote to 100 of his friends and urged them to contribute to a fund for the fallen officer. All 100 friends agreed to his request. Packer and the commissioner met with the officer's expectant widow, reviewed her finances, and arranged to pay off the mortgage on their new home, create an education account for the unborn child, pay all the bills, and deposited $7,000 in her checking account.

In 1965, a young officer in Phoenix was killed in the line of duty. A group of concerned citizens who knew about the Detroit 100 Club got together and started the Phoenix 100 Club. Three years later, the 100 Club of Arizona was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3).

The original mission of the 100 Club of Arizona was to provide immediate financial assistance to the family of an officer who was killed in the line of duty. This mission has evolved over the years, and today, the 100 Club of Arizona aims to deliver any type of support needed by beneficiary families. While money can never make up for the loss or disability of a loved one, it can be helpful in covering immediate expenses. The 100 Club of Arizona also has a committee of experts comprising CPAs, attorneys, brokers, employee benefits consultants, and more who can advise and counsel families without cost or obligation.