About

The Vaird Foundation, a 501(c)3 non profit organization and law enforcement initiative created under the outstanding leadership of former Police Commissioner Sylvester M. Johnson. The Vaird Foundation was created in memory of the City of Philadelphia Police Department’s only female fallen hero killed in actual combat in the line of duty, Police Officer Lauretha Vaird #5897.

On Tuesday, January 2, 1996, the City of Philadelphia Police Department lost a true heroine. Police Officer Vaird was slain while responding to a bank robbery at the PNC Bank located at 4710 Rising Sun Avenue. The City of Philadelphia Police department remembers Officer Vaird #5897 as a great role model as well as her strong commitment to fellow officers, young people and the citizens of Philadelphia.

The mission of the Vaird Foundation is to ensure that Police Officer’s Lauretha Vaird’s memory is kept alive and well in the hearts and minds of young men and women by ensuring that an investment is made in students through mentoring, college assistance awards and other youth programming focusing on empowering young adults, building character, self respect, self esteem, self dignity, unity and partnerships. Programs include: College Assistance Award, “Adopt a School”, Homework Help, Mentoring, and Youth Roundtables. Our law enforcement partners include the DEA, FBI, Secret Service and many more.