Shield Club seeks members in aiding police, firefighters

Police officers and firefighters face potential dangers each time they head off to work. The Shield Club of Augusta focuses on helping these public servants and their families in case they are injured or killed in the line of duty.

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"It started over 20 years ago as a club strictly designed to help firemen and policemen that are injured, disabled in the line of duty, both in Richmond and Columbia counties," club president David Alalof said.

The club started in 1986 with a group of 26 businesspeople to offer the financial support to those who protect and serve. The club is now accepting new members, Alalof said.

Membership costs a $300 initiation fee and $100 annually. The club has no operating expenses, so all membership funds go directly to the club's mission.

"The only people who get money are the people who need it," Alalof said.

"When they call upon us, we go into action. We do it whenever we're needed. The only way we can maintain being able to help these fallen troopers is by maintaining the membership, which maintains the amount of money that we set aside."

In 2007, more than $10,000 was dispersed, Alalof said. The club has purchased annuities to provide college funds for the children of Bruce Williford and Herbert Lee Evans, police officers killed in the line of duty. Club funds also purchased a wheelchair for a deputy who lost his leg in a motorcycle wreck.

Alalof said the club responds to requests for help and offers assistance in other cases.

Columbia County Sheriff Clay Whittle said officers understand that their job is risky and puts them in harm's way, but none are ever prepared for the day something goes awry.

Knowing that a group like the Shield Club supports them is comforting to officers, he said.

"These guys and girls ... involved in the Shield Club are an absolute lifesaver to the public safety people who protect us every day," Whittle said. "They are the protection net on top of their normal job functions.

Whittle said a debilitating injury can sometimes be harder to deal with than a death. In many cases, healthcare providers barely cover the increased medical needs of the injured officer. And those funds don't make up for lost income.

"That's where the Shield Club steps in," Whittle said. "They are the unsung heroes to the law enforcement community."

Alalof said the club has a 100-member limit, but some have moved out of the area, leaving vacancies. Membership does not include lots of after-hours events, community projects or regular meetings. Members meet annually to review the financial situation, Alalof said.

"We're there for one purpose, to be members of an elite club to help fallen policemen and firemen," Alalof said.

Anyone interested in joining the Shield Club of Augusta should contact Alalof at (706) 922-3092.