Delray Beach police gala returns May 29 to honor officers

By AI, Created 4:10 PM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Delray Citizens for Delray Police will hold its 21st Annual Delray Beach Police Awards Gala on May 29 at the Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort. The event will recognize long-serving officers and top department awards while raising support for local law enforcement and community programs.

Why it matters: - The gala is a major annual fundraiser and recognition event for Delray Beach law enforcement. - The program supports officer morale, community ties and nonprofit initiatives that back the police department and its families. - More than 350 guests are expected, underscoring continued community backing for the department.

What happened: - Delray Citizens for Delray Police will host the 21st Annual Delray Beach Police Awards Gala on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 6 to 10 p.m. - The event will be held at the Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort, 10 N Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach. - The gala will bring together residents, business leaders, community supporters and law enforcement. - The evening will recognize excellence, leadership and service within the Delray Beach Police Department.

The details: - The gala will honor sworn officers with more than 20 years of dedicated service. - Awards will include Police Officer of the Year, Employee of the Year, Supervisor of the Year and Rookie of the Year. - Community leaders, residents and advocates who support the organization’s mission will also be recognized. - The event will include dinner, dancing and a full program. - The program is designed to celebrate the Delray Beach Police Department and raise support for Delray Citizens for Delray Police. - The nonprofit has supported the department for more than 39 years through service recognition, scholarships, equipment donations, youth programs and community engagement. - Community sponsors include Diamond Sponsors Delray Buick/GMC, Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort & Spa and Stu Siegel. - Platinum Sponsors are Razorback Electric, Red Speed Florida, Stuart & Shelby Home Builders and The Sadowski Family. - Gold Sponsors are GE Architecture, Carosella Family Foundation and Kauff’s Towing. - Silver and Bronze sponsors also support the event. - More information is available at the organization’s website or by email at delraycitizensfordelraypolice@gmail.com.

Between the lines: - The gala functions as both a civic celebration and a public show of support for local policing. - Chuck Halberg, president of Delray Citizens for Delray Police and founder and president of Stuart & Shelby, said the event gives the community a chance to recognize officers and reinforce Delray Beach’s culture of service and connection. - The organization’s long operating history suggests the event has become a durable part of local civic life.

What’s next: - The gala is set for May 29, with attendance expected to exceed 350 guests. - The event will continue to highlight officers, department staff and community supporters while generating resources for future programs. - Delray Citizens for Delray Police is likely to keep using fundraising and recognition events to strengthen ties between residents and law enforcement.

The bottom line: - Delray Beach’s 21st annual police gala is both a celebration of service and a fundraiser for the community-police partnership that supports the department year-round.