A Ten‑Year Historical Record of the Fallen Officer Memorial Golf Tournament (2017–2026)

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2017 – Inception and Community Momentum

The Fallen Officer Memorial Golf Tournament began in 2017 with a simple but powerful purpose: honor fallen officers and raise funds for youth scholarships and first responder support. What started as an ambitious idea quickly became a community movement. Thirteen teams joined the inaugural event, demonstrating overwhelming support and revealing the tournament’s potential for long‑term impact.

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2018 – Rapid Expansion and Establishing Tradition

In 2018, participation doubled to twenty‑six teams. This surge in interest solidified the tournament as an annual tradition. The event’s growth reflected a shared commitment to remembrance, community improvement, and strengthening relationships between first responders and the public.

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2019 – Strategic Growth and Formal Sponsorship

By 2019, the tournament expanded capacity to thirty‑six teams. A dedicated golf committee and Board of Directors formalized sponsorship opportunities, transforming the tournament into a cornerstone fundraiser for scholarships, youth programs, and officer support initiatives. The event’s reputation grew alongside its mission.

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2020–2022 – Growth and Deeper Community Engagement

Across these years, the tournament maintained steady growth and became a unifying annual gathering. Participation increased, volunteer involvement strengthened, and the event evolved into a prominent fixture in the region. Each tournament reinforced its dual purpose: honoring the fallen and uplifting the community through philanthropy.

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2023 – Honoring Deputy Katie Leising

In 2023, the tournament reached full capacity with thirty‑eight teams. That year’s dedication honored Deputy Katie Leising, whose service and sacrifice deeply resonated with participants. Hosting her family underscored the tournament’s mission and reminded the community why this event exists. The continued expansion of the scholarship program reflected the tournament’s increasing influence.

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2024 – Tribute to Deputy Paul Martin

The 2024 tournament filled all thirty‑eight team slots in just four days, marking the fastest registration in its history. The event was dedicated to Fallen Deputy Paul Martin of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office. A powerful opening ceremony set the tone for a day of remembrance, unity, and support for his family. The tournament’s success reaffirmed its role as a vital community tradition and a meaningful platform for honoring fallen heroes.

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2025 – Continued Growth and Rising Awareness

In 2025, the tournament expanded again, drawing even more teams and supporters. Larger tournament sizes increased visibility for the mission, strengthened community partnerships, and amplified awareness of the organization’s work with youth, families, and first responders. The event’s momentum demonstrated how deeply the cause resonates across the region.

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2026 – A Decade of Impact and Unprecedented Support

The 2026 tournament marked the tenth anniversary of the event. It became the most supported tournament to date, symbolizing a decade of remembrance, service, and community unity. Families of the officers honored throughout the tournament’s history were invited to participate, creating a powerful moment of collective reflection. The tenth year celebrated not only the lives of the fallen but also the enduring commitment of a community determined to build a safer, more compassionate future.