Reprint from Oregon Trooper News Magazine June 2000.  (Article may be reprinted with credit to the above.)

Mrs. Mary Lou Sanchez’s husband, Lake County Deputy David Sanchez, was viscously shot to death in 1979 by a man he had arrested during a disturbance at a Paisley, Oregon school.  His murderer felt it necessary to shoot him seventeen times... many were in the back as he lay dying on the highway.   The murderer was convicted and served less than five years.  He was released long ago... free to enjoy his life while Mrs. Sanchez and her family still grieve his death.  She had not been able to go to the Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. to see her husband's name, or to partake in the grieving seminars until now.

Retired Senior Trooper Bob Dent, the Executive Director of the Constable Public Safety Memorial Foundation, based in Bend, Oregon wanted to do something special for this widow and other surviving families.   Dent invited famed writer and prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi  (prosecutor of Charles Manson Family) to Bend 2 years ago, for a charitable benefit, "An Evening with Vincent Bugliosi".   Bugliosi and Dent honored her and other survivors in front of a packed house.  Bugliosi met privately with her and the children where he provided an autographed book with kinds words of encouragement.

Mary Lou Sanchez meets with US Attorney General in Washington D.C.

This last National Police Memorial Weekend (May 11-15, 2000), Dent’s organization, along with the International Police Association rolled out the red carpet for her in Washington, D.C.  where she was able to meet with U.S. Attorney Janet Reno.  The Constable Public Safety Memorial Foundation paid for the round trip air fare, and lodging for a week for Mrs. Sanchez and her family. The International Police Association greeted the family at the airport and escorted her to her lodging in Washington D.C.     Members of the Treasury Department and Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department also assisted the family.  

The IPA has been a solid partner with Dent’s organization by supporting him, his legislation and the families of slain police officers.   The IPA is a law enforcement brotherhood whose membership around the world exceeds 280,000 officers, active or retired.

This is not the first time the Constable Public Safety Memorial Foundation and the IPA have supported a family in this fashion. It has supported families all along the West Coast, all the way to Florida.  Dent has gained international recognition for his philanthropic work. He was recently sent a complete English Bobby's uniform from Bedfordshire England.  The Chief Constable there sent him the uniform in his size to wear during his charitable fundraising activates.  Dent did not miss the opportunity to put the uniform to good work.  He wore it to his retirement party in January, in which over $2,000 was donated from family members, friends and fellow state police officers in attendance. 

Senior Trooper Bob Dent presents all expense paid trip to Mrs. Sanchez.

During the closing minutes of Dent's party, he called Mrs. Sanchez forward to honor her and her husband's sacrifice.  He presented her with the money for the trip, for her and her children, to the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial Services and Grieving Seminars.  In addition, she was presented with an Oregon State Police belt buckle that was engraved, "Remember the Fallen."   In a tearful and moving statement, Mrs. Sanchez's voiced cracked as she thanked all of those in attendance for their generosity and thoughtfulness.  "After 20 years, you caring people have remembered David and our loss.  My family will never forget your kindness.  God bless all of you," Sanchez said.  As she left the lectern, all gave her a heartfelt, standing ovation.

                (Mrs. Sanchez points at her husband's name on the wall.)

Dent, who co-authored the Public Safety Memorial Fund Bill with Rep. Ben Westlund, was recently appointed as an Ex-Officio member of the newly created state Executive Board that oversees the law.  He is busy assisting other Board members in drafting administrative rules for implementation and disbursement of funds.  The law is raising approximately $30,000 per month and has accrued over $300,000 to date to assist families of public safety officers killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty.

When asked about his accomplishments, Dent said, "It is the kind, caring and generous people, who ask nothing in return, that make my modest efforts worthwhile."

 If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, send it to Bob Dent at:

Constable Public Safety Memorial Fund, Inc.  PO. Box 6415, Bend, Or 97708.

For more information visit the Dent's foundation site at:  www.survival-spanish.com/foundation.htm