“The Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department” was founded in San Francisco, California, on January 13, 1878. It is believed to be the oldest such benevolent organization west of the Mississippi River. It is hereafter referred to as “Association”,“the Association” or “this Association”, “Widows and Orphans”, “W&O”, or “WOAA”.
This Association was organized for the specific purpose of providing financial assistance to the person(s) designated by a member upon that member’s death. Police officers are engaged in a hazardous profession. It is prudent for law enforcement professionals to prepare for the possibility of a sudden and unexpected loss of his or her life. Receipt in a timely manner of the benefits provided by membership in this Association is very helpful to the designate(s) that the member leaves behind.
Notwithstanding the name and title of this Association, a “designated person” need not necessarily be a widow, widower, domestic
partner, or an orphan of the member designator.
This Association is not an insurance company. Nor is it a political body, and it does not contribute any
resources to political campaigns, nor does it have a political action committee, nor does it support or contribute to any other PAC.
This Association is not affiliated with any other agency, organization, or individual. Specifically, and notwithstanding
its name and title, this Association is not affiliated with the City and County of San Francisco, the San Francisco Police Department, the San Francisco Police Officers Association, the San Francisco Veterans Police Officers Association, or any other similar employee or retired employee organization.
This Association has a long and proud tradition of benevolence that is promulgated by the good will of its members, and its legions of friends and supporters. Throughout the history of this Association, its primary purpose has been the welfare of its members’ designate(s). It is the sincere wish and desire of each member that this purpose be perpetrated.