Pueblo County leaders identify final funding gap for fallen officer memorial

Chief Troy Davenport told the Pueblo County Board of County Commissioners on July 16 that a planned fallen officer memorial near the old band shell on the Riverwalk will cost about $390,000 for construction materials and that fundraising to date totals roughly $135,000.

"Total project cost is about $390,000 for construction materials," Davenport said, and he listed contributions from employee organizations, the Pueblo Police Benevolent Association, a $10,000 grant from the Robert Hall Rawlings Foundation, $10,000 from Pueblo Rotary 43, an announced $215,000 contribution from the City of Pueblo and $25,000 authorized by the Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority. Davenport said the project has been in development since about 2020 and that the site has Harp authority approval and a contractor rendering available for view.

Commissioners and staff clarified the remaining fundraising target after Davenport's presentation. One commissioner calculated the balance as "closer to 50 to 60 remaining to fully fund the project," while the chair said the board had been operating on a $40,000 figure to finish the effort. The discrepancy arose after Davenport noted $135,000 had been raised; commissioners asked legal staff to confirm allowable funding sources.

A commissioner suggested using 1A ballot-authorized dollars if legally permissible; County Attorney Brandon Hirsch said staff has reviewed options but recommended further exploration and expects to provide a legal determination next week. Davenport said private donations may be made to the Pueblo Fallen Officer Memorial Foundation tied to the sheriff's foundation.

Board members praised the project as an appropriate honor and a recruiting and retention benefit for law enforcement. The commissioners indicated they would support covering whatever shortfall remains, pending the legal determination on 1A funds and other fund-shifting possibilities.