About

Police Officer widows go through a unique kind of grieving process. It was this very unique experience of being a Los Angeles Police Officers wife that inspired these women to form a support group of SURVIVORS!

The Los Angeles Police Department Family Support Group was founded in 1983 following the death of Police Officer Paul Verna, who was killed while on active duty under the command of Chief Daryl F. Gates.

Chief Gates, after meeting with Detective Wraydine Mercer and Sandy Verna realized the need for a support group comprised of women with one main thing in common…GRIEF. Despite their varying backgrounds, the women of the Family Support Group transcend differences to support one another through the grieving process

Membership Activities

Monthly Meetings
We meet monthly to provide emotional support to one another, arrange for professional speakers in various topics of concern to membership.

Grief Training
We provide training to department personnel and other police agencies in the stages of grief recovery and the establishment of a police spousal support group.

Liaison with Department & Outside Organizations
We have a special liaison with:
Employee Assistance Unit
Los Angeles Protective League
Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation
Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS)
who provides the membership with valuable assistance and training.

Organization Overview

EAU Coordinators
Sgt. Dan Putz

Board of Directors
Carole Carreon, President
Marijo Johnson, Vice President
Donna Harden, Treasurer
Jasbir Ralph, Secretary