Sold out Buckles and Badges Gala honors officers, community partners, awards scholarships and raises over $75,000 for wellness, training and public safety programs outside of city budgets
The people behind the badges and the community standing behind them shared the spotlight Saturday night as the Folsom Police Foundation’s sixth annual Buckles and Badges Gala filled the Folsom Community Center for an evening of recognition, reflection and fundraising in support of the Folsom Police Department.
The popular western-themed gathering brought police personnel together with local businesses, community leaders, elected officials and residents, all contributing toward a foundation whose work reaches well beyond a single annual fundraiser. This year, it seems that representation was in attendance from all areas of the community as the event officially sold out and packed the room.
Saturday’s event opened with a presentation of the colors by the Folsom Police Color Guard which was led into the room with a bagpipe and drum core entry by the talented Sacramento Firefighters organization. Following the National Anthem performed by Folsom based Nashville recording artist Cynthia Renee, the evening’s message was established almost immediately by mistress of ceremonies Cristina Mendonsa, the Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist and broadcaster who has long been an advocate for law enforcement.
Mendonsa described the night as one about “bringing together the police department, local businesses, community leaders, and all of you who believe in supporting public service.”
Before turning the microphone over to Folsom Police Foundation President Adrian Blanco, Mendonsa recognized the many dignitaries that were in the room, including representatives not only from the City of Folsom but Sacramento County, State Assembly and Congress among others.
Blanco took to the podium, paused and looked across the room and summed up his initial reaction simply.
“Wow. This is amazing,” he said. “On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Folsom Police Foundation, thank you for being here tonight,” Blanco continued. “Your presence, your generosity, and your belief in our mission are what make things like this possible.”
Blanco said the gala was about honoring the men and women of the Folsom Police Department while investing in the programs that support their service.
“Every sponsorship, literally every money you spend tonight, every auction bid, every donation, and every one of you makes a real difference,” he said.
That support has developed into a wide-ranging mission since the Folsom Police Foundation was established in 2014. According to the foundation’s gala program, money raised supports officer wellness and mental health, specialized training and equipment, the canine and mounted units, youth outreach, the Holiday Toy Drive, National Police Week activities, the Fallen Officer Fund, high school scholarships and other programs.
The foundation reported funding more than $11,000 in counseling for officers and sponsoring Peer Critical Incident Seminar training, an intensive recovery program for officers who have experienced traumatic calls. It has also helped fund department drone capabilities and other technology designed to improve situational awareness and safety during critical incidents.
One of the foundation’s newest efforts has a considerably softer presence. The organization helped bring the department its first therapy dog, June, whose role includes comforting officers and dispatchers following difficult calls while also visiting schools and helping build relationships with young people.
June was at Saturday’s gala and later became a central part of the evening’s Fund-A-Need campaign, which was specifically dedicated to supporting training for the new therapy dog and additional employee wellness resources.
The foundation’s mission, Blanco explained, begins with filling needs beyond what can reasonably be covered through the city budget.
“At the heart, the foundation was created to strengthen the partnership between the men and women of the Folsom Police Department and the community that they serve and to provide resources that go beyond what the city budget can provide,” Blanco said.
“That could mean advanced training and specialized equipment, but it also means officer wellness and programs for youth outreach and programs that help build trust and stronger relationships throughout the community.”
The ultimate goal, he said, is straightforward.
“To make sure the men and women who protect Folsom are well equipped, well trained, and supported, both on and off duty,” Blanco said.
He noted that the foundation is led by a volunteer board made up of local business leaders, community members and public safety advocates who share the belief that supporting public safety is a community responsibility.
“When our police department and our community stand together, Folsom is a safer, stronger, and more connected place for all of us,” Blanco said. “And by being here tonight, every one of you is helping us make that possible.”
One of the first people Blanco called to the stage was Sacramento County District 4 Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez, who served as the gala’s presenting sponsor.
Blanco introduced Rodriguez not merely as an elected official but as a close friend and longtime supporter of the foundation and department.
“Rosario, you’ve become like a sister to me,” Blanco told her. “You’re someone I really look up to.”
He said his respect for Rodriguez came “not because of the position you hold but because of who you are and what you do in our community.”
Their exchange brought some humor to the program as Blanco joked that Rodriguez had claimed he twisted her arm into becoming presenting sponsor.
“There was no twisting arms,” Blanco said. “Maybe a shot of tequila or two.”
But he said Rodriguez’s response when asked to support the event was immediate: “For the Folsom Police Foundation and the department, I’m here for you.”
Rodriguez, a Folsom resident herself, used her time at the microphone to emphasize regional cooperation between the city’s police department and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
“On behalf of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, I am very grateful for the relationship that the Folsom Police Department has with the sheriff’s department in combatting some crimes that are really personal to many of us,” Rodriguez said.
She specifically pointed to fentanyl, human trafficking and retail theft as areas where partnerships between agencies matter.
“I am very grateful,” Rodriguez said. “I will be a supporter of the Folsom Police Foundation. I am a Folsom resident, and I love this town, and I’m grateful for all that you all do.”
Blanco also recognized El Dorado County Treasurer-Tax Collector Sean Coppola among those attending.
The program soon shifted from those supporting the foundation today to one of the people who helped establish it years ago.
After a video presentation, longtime Folsom developer and community supporter Harry Elliott was called forward to receive the foundation’s Pillar of the Community Award.
Elliott recalled being involved with the original foundation approximately two decades ago and spoke about the important role public safety has played alongside Folsom’s growth.
“I’ve been supportive of Folsom and the police department,” Elliott said. “I love the police department.”
Elliott’s companies have played a major role in the physical development of Folsom through residential construction and major commercial projects.
“We built houses. We built about a third of Folsom,” he said. “We built the Palladio, the Broadstone Marketplace. And I can tell you that police department has been very important in all of those endeavors.”
For Elliott, development and public safety share an important objective.
“They do what America does, which is build safe, great communities, and that’s what our mission is,” he said.
Blanco presented Elliott with a particularly symbolic award. It included an American flag that had been flown at the Folsom Police Department along with department challenge coins.
“This is the Pillar of the Community Award,” Blanco told him. “What’s special about this is this flag was actually flown here at the police station.”
Blanco called Elliott “an inspiration” and thanked him for years of support.
The gala then turned toward another part of the foundation’s mission: developing the next generation of people willing to enter law enforcement.
Pastor Ron Perry introduced the scholarship program as a tangible example of what previous donations to the foundation have already accomplished.
“One of the things we wanted to do as we begin tonight is to give you a little taste, a little glimpse of where the money that you gave last year has already been funneled,” Perry said.
While much of the foundation’s work is aimed at providing resources for current officers, Perry said the board also wanted to invest in young people who could someday become law enforcement professionals themselves.
Over the past year, the foundation sought out recent Folsom graduates headed into criminal justice or law enforcement-related degree programs who had already demonstrated character and community involvement. Each recipient was awarded an initial $5,000 but it didn’t stop there.
Both recipients were also offered an additional $5,000 incentive for the following semester if they stayed in school and continued pursuing their law enforcement education. Perry explained the thinking behind the additional commitment during one of the recorded calls.
“We want you to keep at this pursuit of the career,” he said.
The foundation would love to eventually see the students return and serve in Folsom, Perry said, but the larger goal was simply to help develop good officers wherever their careers ultimately take them.
“We just want to see you pursue this career and do it well and have what you need,” Perry said.
The scholarship presentation provided an ideal transition to another young law enforcement role model already serving Folsom.
Congressman Kevin Kiley also took the stage to recognize Folsom Police Detective Austin Alvarez, one of the officers selected for the congressman’s annual Third Congressional District Police Honor Roll. (see additional Folsom Times story on Austin Alvarez)
“I’ve been coming to this event, I think since it started, and it’s just bigger and better every year,” Kiley said. “It keeps outgrowing venues.”
He called the 2026 edition “definitely the biggest and best yet” and said its success reflected both the community and those who have built the foundation.
Kiley singled out Blanco as “an absolute force of nature” who gives extensively to Folsom and credited the entire board with putting its energy behind an organization supporting the department.
“The Folsom Police Department is such an enormous part of why Folsom is truly one of the best places to live in the entire country,” Kiley said.
He then explained the Police Honor Roll he established after entering Congress. Police chiefs and sheriffs throughout his district nominate officers who have gone above and beyond in their service, and Kiley formally recognizes the honorees on the floor of the House of Representatives, making the tributes part of the Congressional Record.
The purpose, he said, is both to recognize outstanding officers and to provide examples for young people considering law enforcement careers — including the scholarship recipients whose videos had just been shown.
This year, one of those honorees was Alvarez.
Kiley read an excerpt of the congressional tribute recognizing Alvarez for his work investigating some of the most disturbing crimes law enforcement officers encounter.
“Detective Alvarez is known by others for his compassion, exceptional investigative skills, and unwavering commitment to justice,” Kiley read.
During more than two years assigned to the Sacramento County High-Tech Task Force, Alvarez worked highly sensitive cases involving internet crimes against children.
“In this role, his primary mission has been investigating Internet crimes against children and identifying those who exploit and prey upon some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” Kiley said.
Alvarez’s investigations contributed directly to identifying, arresting and prosecuting offenders while protecting victims from further exploitation.
“The nature of these crimes often requires long hours, extensive follow-up, and exposure to deeply disturbing material,” Kiley said.
Despite those challenges, Kiley said Alvarez has continued to perform at the highest level while representing both the task force and Folsom Police Department with distinction.
“These individuals, public servants like Detective Alvarez, are why we are here tonight,” Kiley said before recognizing Alvarez in front of the crowd for his “extraordinary service to the city of Folsom.”
Before dinner, Perry returned to the stage for a blessing that moved beyond the meal and focused directly on the officers themselves.
“There is no more generous room than this room right here, but I know behind the generosity, there’s just a heart for the officers and our department,” Perry said.
He reminded those attending that the department is more than an institution.
“Our department is not just an organization. It is made up of individuals and people,” he said.
His prayer asked for protection for officers working that night, wisdom in complicated circumstances and both physical and mental health for those carrying the weight of the profession.
“Behind the badge, they are human beings,” Perry said in his prayer. “They are individuals who have friends and family. They have highs and lows.”
He also asked that the generosity surrounding them Saturday serve as a reminder to officers that the community stands with them.
“May it be a shot in their arm to remember that they are not alone, that there is a community that is behind them, thankful for them,” he said.
Following dinner, the evening moved to its keynote address from Folsom Police Chief Adam Green.
Mendonsa introduced Green by pointing to the qualities of “leadership and judgment and compassion and an unwavering commitment” to the community.
Green began without immediately turning to his prepared remarks. Instead, he looked around the gathering and offered a personal observation after more than 25 years in policing.
“I just wanna say thank you,” Green said. “I have been in law enforcement for twenty five years, and never have I been a part of something like this. This is something special and something to be proud of.”
Green joined the Folsom Police Department as chief in December 2025 after a lengthy career with the Sacramento Police Department, where his assignments included patrol, problem-oriented policing, SWAT, Internal Affairs, community engagement and personnel before he eventually became deputy chief.
Eight months into leading Folsom’s department, Green said people frequently ask how the transition has gone and what stands out most about his new city.
His answer Saturday was unequivocal.
“I can say hands down, the best part of being part of this department is the pride that this community takes in its police department and the pride that this police department takes in its community,” Green said.
“This is maybe one of the most humbling things I’ve been a part of in law enforcement.”
Green acknowledged the fun surrounding the western-themed gala — the boots, cowboy hats, food, drinks and auction prizes — but said the evening represented something far greater to those inside the department.
“This evening means much more than that to the Folsom Police Department and the Folsom community,” he said. “The funds raised tonight will directly benefit the city of Folsom by supporting public safety and the dedicated men and women of the Folsom Police Department.”
Green thanked the foundation for the work it has performed since 2014, pointing to its support for youth programs, community engagement, employee health and wellness, technology and equipment.
He specifically thanked Blanco, Foundation Vice Chair Evangeline Scott, board members, volunteers, sponsors and donors who contributed to the event financially as well as with raffle prizes, silent auction items and auction items all of which were dished out throughout the evening with the talents of fellow emcee Bryan Greenwalt and auctioneer Scott Creeson.
“Your commitment makes an extraordinary difference in our department and our city,” Green said. “We are deeply grateful for your continued support.”
Green then singled out gala committee chair Patti Babish for the extensive work required to put the evening together.
“Patty’s given us the most valuable resource — her time — and we are here tonight having a great time because of her tireless effort and hard work,” he said.
Green also recognized current and retired members of public safety agencies throughout the region, asking active and retired law enforcement personnel and members of the Folsom Police Department staff to stand.
“Those are the people we’re here for tonight,” Green said as the room recognized them.
He emphasized that the work of policing does not stop at jurisdictional boundaries.
“Regional cooperation is essential to public safety,” Green said. “We are stronger and more effective because of the relationships we’ve built with one another.”
Green’s remarks then returned to the same community partnership Mendonsa and Blanco had spoken about earlier in the evening.
“Public safety is not something a police department creates on its own,” Green said. “It’s built through trust, communication, shared responsibility, and strong partnerships.”
He described that partnership as something built when neighbors look out for one another, businesses invest in the city, organizations support young people and families, and residents and police work toward a shared purpose.
“The safety we enjoy in Folsom is a reflection of that partnership,” Green said. “Thank you for your confidence in us, for your willingness to work alongside us, and for the tremendous support you continue to show the Folsom Police Department.”
Green reserved some of his most extensive remarks for his own employees.
“The safety and quality of life that we enjoy in Folsom are not accidental,” he said. “They are a result of your professionalism, your courage, your compassion, and your unwavering commitment to service.”
He spoke about officers answering calls in uncertain and unpredictable circumstances and doing so with integrity and sound judgment. But he also emphasized the portions of police work that cannot be measured simply by arrests or calls for service.
“Your work extends far beyond responding to emergencies and enforcing the law,” Green said. “You build relationships, earn trust, solve problems, and support people during some of the most traumatic times of their lives.”
Much of that work, he said, happens with little or no public recognition.
“Many of your most meaningful acts of service will never appear in a news story or receive public acknowledgment, yet the impact of your work is felt throughout our community,” Green said.
He described that impact through everyday examples: a family feeling safe in its home, a child feeling secure at school, a crime victim knowing someone is standing beside them, a business able to thrive and a resident confident help will arrive when needed.
Green broadened his recognition beyond sworn officers to professional staff, dispatchers, community service officers, volunteers, chaplains and others who support the department’s work.
“Our community is stronger, safer, and better because of you,” he said.
The theme Green chose for the heart of his keynote was “Why We Serve.”
A video produced by the city’s communications team allowed employees of the department to explain their own reasons for choosing the profession. Green said watching it repeatedly leaves him proud of the organization he now leads.
He then shared his own answer.
Green said he knew from a young age that he wanted a career in law enforcement. Initially, he was attracted to public safety, the responsibility and the dynamic nature of police work. Over a quarter century, however, his reason for serving changed.
“Today, I serve because I have a deep desire to help create a community in which every resident can experience the safety, security, and peace of mind that they deserve,” Green said.
He also serves, he said, to support the officers performing difficult work and to make certain they have “the tools, training, resources, leadership, and support they need to protect our communities, seek justice for victims, and hold those who commit crimes accountable.”
But Green said even exceptional officers cannot accomplish their mission by themselves.
“They need a strong team standing behind them,” he said.
That team, he explained, extends well beyond employees of the department.
“It includes our regional partners, the Folsom Police Foundation, our business partners, our residents, and every person in this room tonight.”
That, Green said, is the real significance of Buckles and Badges.
“Tonight is not simply about raising money,” he said. “It’s about demonstrating that the men and women who serve in this community do not do it alone.”
“It’s about investing in their success, and their success is truly Folsom’s success.”
After the formal addresses, fundraising became the focus as the gala moved into its live auction and Fund-A-Need campaign.
The evening included an extensive slate of auction items and games, but the Fund-A-Need portion most directly connected donations to the department’s current needs. This year’s campaign supports continued training for June, Folsom Police Department’s new therapy dog, along with employee wellness resources.
The focus on June tied directly back to the foundation’s growing emphasis on mental health and wellness. The therapy dog is intended to provide comfort to officers and dispatchers after difficult calls while also creating positive connections with students and young people throughout Folsom.
Those initiatives represent precisely the type of support Blanco described at the beginning of the evening — programs that complement city funding while addressing needs that can make a difference both professionally and personally for the people carrying out police work.
And by the end of the night, the gala had demonstrated that mission in multiple ways.
It honored community partners such as Rodriguez and Elliott. It showed donors where previous contributions have gone. It invested thousands of dollars in two students preparing for possible careers in law enforcement. It publicly recognized Alvarez for work that takes place in some of policing’s darkest circumstances. It put officers and professional staff on their feet before a room full of supporters. And it raised new resources aimed at wellness, training and strengthening the department’s connection to Folsom.
For Green, it all came back to the partnership he said impressed him most when he arrived in the city eight months ago.
“Every person in this room has a reason for being here. Every person has a way to serve,” Green said. “And when we bring those individual commitments together, we create something far greater than any one person or organization can accomplish alone.”
“Thank you for standing with the Folsom Police Department,” he said. “Thank you for investing in the safety and future of our community, and thank you for being part of the reason we are able to serve.”
In the days following the event, expenses and donations were balanced and an impressive $75,000 was the outstanding number raised for the foundation.
“The success of Buckles & Badges truly belongs to our community. It was the result of months of hard work from an incredible committee and dedicated volunteers, combined with the generosity of our local businesses, sponsors, and everyone who attended and supported us,” said Blanco. “Together, we raised more than $75,000 after expenses to support the Folsom Police Foundation and the men and women who serve our community. I couldn’t be more grateful or proud of what we accomplished together.”
Folsom’s Evangeline Scott is the Vice Chair of the the Folsom Police Foundation. Scott was on hand at Saturday’s event that she and her fellow board members and many volunteers orchestrated. “It was a beautiful outpouring of support from our community,” she told Folsom Times after the evening came to a close.
Copyright © 2026, Folsom Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC. All rights reserved. Thank you to Knowlton Haaland of KH Media for assisting Folsom Times with photography at Saturday’s event and we thank the Folsom Police Department for their hospitality in having Folsom Times in attendance covering and participating in the 6th annual event.
