Sergeant Jason Lawson of the Becker Police Dept. just wants to build better relationships between his department and the community he serves.

 

And that’s why he started a non-profit organization for the Becker PD called “Defenders” in 2013.

 

Lawson, along with June Hubbard, Johnathon Batterberry, the entire reserve unit and Lawson’s wife, Emily — have unified to establish the Defenders organization to allow them to raise funds, donate to worthy causes and forge positive partnerships with their communities. 

 

Recently, Lawson has received numerous grants and donations from area businesses for their worthy causes. The local United Way gave the Defenders $2,000 for their use as well as $300 from the Becker Lions and $500 from the Clear Lake Lions. Lawson is using those funds to purchase a portable movie screen and projector to initiate a “Movie-in-the-Park” event through the Becker Community Center.

 

“It’s a 16-ft. by 12-ft. screen that comes with a high-def projector, speakers and stands and a storage cabinet,” Lawson says. “We hope to use the screen for outdoor events next year for the BCC, golf course and other venues where this kind of thing is needed.”

 

The first “movie-in-the-Park” event is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23 at the BCC for a 6:30 p.m. showing of Cinderella. Those wishing to attend are asked to arrive anytime after 5:45 p.m. with a good-will donation of $5 per family to help pay for refreshments and staffing.

 

“All our movies will be free and we will have pamphlets about our organization on-hand as well as t-shirts and paracord bracelets for sale at all our events,” he said.

 

Lawson also said any businesses or individuals who donate a minimum of $300 to the non-profit will get some advertising space on the screen prior to the movies in the form of a name splashed across the screen.

 

“And since we are tax-exempt, all donations to our organization are tax-deductible,” Lawson said.

 

Since the Defenders are partnered with the area United Way, there will also be United Way bags handed out at the movie events that will contain pharmacy cards, children’s books and information on the defenders as well as the United Way.

 

Lawson figures Pebble Creek could utilize the big screen for when they annually host the high school golf tournaments in the spring and the equipment can also be rented from the Defenders for any company function or wedding day production that could make use of the premier technology.

 

Lawson feels that by the police department having this non-profit organization, it will give the police the chance to make an even greater impact on the lives of area families and bridge the gap that some may feel is evident between law enforcement and the individuals they are trying to protect.

 

“I think that by having us (Defenders) show up at these events and to be not in uniform may make things a little easier between the cops and the public,” he says. “Sometimes people need to see us in our day-to-day to realize we are also citizens of this community and we want to get to know people better.”

 

Lawson and the Defenders also received another $3,000 from Walmart for Lawson to use to equip the reserve unit with uniforms and gear. The Clear Lake Lions also gave $100 for the same cause.

 

The reserve officer program is made up of volunteers who assist the police department with their daily routines.  Some of the reserve officers are college students wishing to help the community and are not paid for their time.  Defenders can assist the reserve officers with the purchasing of equipment needed to assist with making Becker a better community.

 

“We’ve also received about $1,000 from various people and businesses for our organization,” Lawson said. “We so much appreciate everyone’s generosity.”

 

The Defenders are generously given to several athletic programs including the area dance team, the high school band and directly to families who can’t afford instruments, equipment or gear for their child’s recreational activity.

 

For anyone interested in donating to the organization and their causes, they can contact Lawson at the Becker Police Dept. or make donations at the Starcor Credit Union located at 14267 Bank Street in Becker.