Advisory Committee

Martin G. Defatte Joins Rapids Hunger Foundation Inc. Advisory Committee

Rapids Hunger Foundation Inc. welcomes Martin G. Defatte, a revered veteran and dedicated community servant from Racine, Wisconsin, to its Advisory Committee. Affectionately known as Marty, his impressive background in public service and deep commitment to community welfare are vital assets he brings to our foundation.

 

Marty’s journey of service is marked by unique contributions that have left a lasting impact. His enlistment in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1964 was just the beginning. At the Racine Police Department, where he served from 1965 until 1995, Marty pioneered the role of Community Oriented Police Officer, leading to the establishment of the Community Oriented Policing (COP) Unit. This groundbreaking initiative not only transformed community policing in Racine but also set a benchmark that has been replicated by police departments across the nation, including Chicago, Illinois, and St. Cloud, Minnesota.

Marty’s efforts have long transcended the boundaries of traditional policing. His work establishing and maintaining Racine’s COP Houses has fostered safer neighborhoods and more robust community and law enforcement bonds. This dedication was recently celebrated as Marty was warmly welcomed back from a Stars and Stripes Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C., an event that underscored his standing in the community and was attended by over a thousand residents.

 

In his new role on the Advisory Committee of the Rapids Hunger Foundation Inc., Marty is poised to make significant contributions. The foundation, committed to alleviating hunger and supporting the underprivileged, stands to gain immensely from Marty’s strategic insights and leadership. His unique understanding of community dynamics and law enforcement will be particularly valuable as we develop programs that address not only hunger but also the underlying social determinants of community well-being.

Marty’s involvement is expected to enhance our outreach efforts and enable us to forge stronger relationships with the communities we serve. His experience building community trust and tireless advocacy for community-centric initiatives align perfectly with our mission to nourish bodies, empower minds, and foster hope.

 

We are immensely privileged to have such a distinguished individual join our efforts. With Marty’s guidance, the Rapids Hunger Foundation Inc. looks forward to expanding its services and deepening its impact in communities across Wisconsin.

Racine Police Department // 04.22.2024

On Saturday over a thousand Wisconsin residents gathered at Mitchell International Airport to welcome home our U.S. Veterans after spending a day in Washington D.C. thanks to the organization Stars and Stripes Honor Flight.

 

In that prestigious group of Veterans was Racine’s own Marty Defatte. Marty served in the Army from 1961-1964 and the Racine Police Department from 1965-1995. Marty was also the first Community Oriented Police Officer for Racine PD. His hard work in the early 1990s played a major roll forming Racine PDs COP Unit which has now been modeled by other department around the nation like Chicago PD and St. Cloud, Minnesota. With such a passionate heart for Racine, Marty still serves as a board member for the non-profit that owns and manages all of the Racine’s COP Houses.

 

Saturday night three of our officers in the COP Unit were at the airport to welcome home Marty, along with his family, after his long day in Washington D.C. Sergeant Thill (16th Street COP House), Officer Reyes (6th Street COP House), and Officer Brady (Anthony Lane COP House).

 

Thank you Marty for over SIXTY years of dedicated service to our country and community!