Blog
Honoring Service, Training, and Legacy: A Visit to Dallas with the Jorge Pastore Foundation
Community & Culture
•
Apr 17, 2026
I had the privilege of traveling to Dallas with Kim Pastore of the Jorge Pastore Foundation (JPF). The trip offered an inspiring look into the professionalism, dedication, and resilience of law enforcement officers across North Texas. From hands on training to events honoring fallen officers, the experience reinforced the critical importance of proper training, trusted equipment, and ongoing support for those who serve.
Team Wendy's Karlie Lipinsky with Kim Pastore of the Jorge Pastore Foundation
Fort Worth PD & DRU Training
One of the highlights of the trip was observing the Fort Worth Police Department's Patrol Division and Direct Response Unit (DRU) during a full day of training. This session was conducted by Community First Project, an organization dedicated to delivering lifesaving training that equips our officers with the skills they need to protect themselves and teammates, making their communities safer. Kim Pastore and the Jorge Pastore Foundation sponsored the training, so the law enforcement officers could take the course free of charge.
Watching these officers refine tactics, communicate under pressure, and problem solve in real time demonstrated just how essential high-quality training is to operational readiness. It was also meaningful to see the DRU operators training in Team Wendy helmets, reinforcing the importance of preparing with the same equipment officers rely on in the field. When gear is trusted, officers can focus on the mission, not the equipment.
Garland PD SWAT School Memorial March
Another moving experience was witnessing the Garland Police Department SWAT School Memorial March, an event honoring fallen officers. The class carried a gurney that weighed approximately as much as an adult, symbolizing the weight of sacrifice and service. The run was a mile-long physical challenge that involved running uphill, downhill, and navigating obstacles, highlighting the importance of teamwork and communication.
Every 15 minutes, the groups paused to hear from the loved ones and friends of the fallen officers. The event culminated with Kim honoring her late husband, Jorge Pastore. Kim continues Jorge's legacy by advocating for meaningful and realistic training and fostering camaraderie among officers through initiatives like the JPF Legacy Match.
The First Annual JPF Legacy Match
The first annual JPF Legacy Match was another highlight of the trip. This law enforcement shooting competition attracted officers from across the region and was supported by many of the industry's leading brands. The event combined skill development, camaraderie, and healthy competition—all of which reflected Jorge's passion for training.
Through the Legacy Match, Kim ensures Jorge's influence continues to shape and strengthen the law enforcement community. It's a testament to his belief that training isn't just valuable—it's vital.
Why Training and Proper Gear Matter
Every part of this trip reinforced why proper training for law enforcement officers and proper equipment is necessary. Whether responding to routine calls or high-risk critical incidents, officers rely on their preparation and the quality of their gear to return home safely.
That's why Team Wendy is proud to support the Jorge Pastore Foundation. We share a commitment to ensuring officers have access to reliable, technologically advanced, protective equipment—and the training environments that allow them to use it with confidence. When law enforcement professionals are equipped with the right tools and the right training, both officers and communities are safer.
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