58th Annual Johnny Sides Rookie of the Year Gala
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Dallas Marriott City Center (formerly The Westin City Center)
650 North Pearl Street
Dallas, TX 75201

Join us for the 58th annual 2010 Johnny Sides Rookie of the Year Gala, which honors the life and service of Dallas police officer Johnny Sides. Though Sides’ life was cut short in the line of duty, his memory lives on and continues to inspire countless police officers and citizens.

This year’s event will be a night to remember, with special guests State Sen. Royce West (kenote) and WFAA reporter Rebecca Lopez (emcee), and live music provided by the Singapore Slingers. Following dinner, the Dallas Police Department’s 2010 Rookie of the Year will be announced. Guests are invited to take part in our silent auction, enjoy a cocktail or take a whirl around the dance floor.

Reserve your seat now, and make a difference in the life of a police officer. All proceeds benefit the Assist the Officer Foundation, which provides financial assistance to officers who are ill or injured.

Sponsorships are still available! For more information, click “Become a Sponsor” on the right-hand side of the page.

This Year’s Nominees

Officers Jack Jernigan, John Lising and Stephen Prince.

About Johnny Sides

Johnny Sides, a Dallas native and graduate of Sunset High School, went to work for the Dallas Police Department at the age of 17. Over the next four years he quickly advanced through the department’s administrative office and then applied to take the police examination at the age of 21—the minimum age required to attend the police academy.

Upon his acceptance, Sides was reclassified as an apprentice policeman on Nov. 6, 1950–one of the happiest days of his life. No surprise to his classmates, Sides took on a leadership role by serving as vice president of his academy class while maintaining his involvement in the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce as chairman of the traffic safety committee.

Unfortunately, Sides’ extraordinary service was cut short. Twenty-one days after graduating fifth in his class at the Dallas Police Academy, Sides was fatally wounded as he and his partner confronted a band of criminals wanted for vicious crimes in four other states. As he fought for his life in a hospital bed, Sides positively identified all four men involved in the shooting. Shortly thereafter, the criminals were arrested in Arkansas.

A few days later, on Feb. 7, 1951, Sides succumbed to his wounds. Although he was a police officer for too brief a time, Sides has inspired countless police officers and citizens with his dedication, leadership, caring attitude and sacrifice.

About the Assist the Officer Foundation

The Assist the Officer Foundation provides financial assistance to officers who are facing the loss of income due to a serious injury, life-threatening illness or other catastrophic event. Immediate assistance is also available to an officer’s family in the event of the death of an active officer. Since its creation in 1999, the foundation has provided assistance to dozens of officers and their families who have faced any number of life-altering situations.

For more information please visit the Assist the Officer Foundation.

Become a Sponsor

As a sponsor, your company will be positioned as a leader in the community and staunch supporter of local law enforcement. Our sponsors will reach a wide audience of community leaders and thinkers, and their names will be featured in related marketing materials. For more information, please view our detailed sponsorship packet.

Contact the Organizers

Ponce Duran
Melissa May

Tickets

The deadline for purchasing tickets has expired, See you at the event!

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