(August 01, 2011) -- The Police Benevolent Foundation, Inc. and the North Carolina Division of the Southern States PBA are in mourning as one of their own, Officer Russell Willingham of the Winston-Salem Police Department, was killed Saturday morning in a car crash while in route to assist a fellow officer.

An account has been established under the Police Benevolent Foundation called the “Officer Russell Willingham Memorial Fund” at Wachovia Bank.  Donations can be made at any Wachovia Bank so that the public can assist in the efforts to provide financial support to Officer Willingham’s beneficiary.  Donations can also be made through the Police Benevolent Foundation's website here.  All donations made to this memorial fund are tax-deductible, and 100% of the funds will go to Officer Willingham’s beneficiary.

The Police Benevolent Foundation is also taking donations via text for the “Officer Russell Willingham Memorial Fund.” You can help by texting the phrase COPS WILLINGHAM to 85944.  A $10 donation will be made through your cell phone bill.  The PBF is asking everyone to please pass this information along to friends and family.

The funeral arrangements for Officer Willingham are as follows:
 
Wednesday, August 3, Wait Chapel, Family Visitation 1800 hrs. - 2000 hrs., The Chapel will be open to the public and Officers at 1500 hrs. (The family will not arrive until 1800 hrs.)
 
Thursday, August 4, Wait Chapel, Funeral Service 1000 hrs. Burial will follow in Westminster Cemetery, Greensboro 
 

The Police Benevolent Foundation, Inc is a tax-deductible 501(c)(3) organization established by the Southern States Police Benevolent Association, Inc. (SSPBA) in 2005.  Established in 1987, SSPBA has been serving its membership for 20 years. SSPBA is not a union. It is an independent association with no national or international affiliations. The Foundation has a Board of Directors elected by the membership of the SSPBA. Foundation expenses are currently absorbed by Southern States PBA, making the Foundation one of very few such entities that gives 100% of the funds received to its intended purpose.