Chris Pautler

“On the morning of my high school graduation, cap and gown hanging in the closet, family members from all over had arrived to celebrate when the Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Constable and two other officers knocked on our door to inform us that my father had been shot and they needed my mother to come to the hospital. About an hour later, my siblings and I were informed that our father didn’t make it. I couldn’t make sense of what was happening, but one thing I knew for sure was that I had to stay strong and keep going. Most people would never have found the strength to be able to move throughout the day as planned; however, I found it for my dad and through my dad. I walked the stage to receive my diploma, because I knew my dad would want me to. About 100 officers attended, lining the track, standing in place of my father – who would have been cheering the loudest of all.”

“I don’t honestly know how I would’ve gotten through the past few months without this program.”

“Through the Resiliency Program, LAFD members will be giving their children the best gift – getting them the help they need to cope with stress, manage their fears, and build mental resilience.”

“When personal matters are supported, our first responders are able to come to work with a state of mind allowing them to better handle the high stress.”

My dad, Steve Favela, was a Solo Bike Officer for The Honolulu Police Department. I was three years old when my dad passed away, so my memories of him are foggy. But through home videos, pictures and stories shared to me by my mom, older siblings, grandparents and the men and women in blue that worked with my dad, a crystal clear picture emerges of a humble and hard working man who loved his family and community.

“The FRCF Scholarship not only supported my dream of becoming a nurse but also allowed me to honor my father’s sacrifice. It’s a testament to the incredible opportunities that open up when someone believes in you.”