JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In 2002, a terrible event led Donald Foy to start a MAD DADS group in Jacksonville.
Now, 20 years later, the anti-crime group is still working with the families of crime victims and spreading words to get people to speak up and stop crime.
“The president of the whole organization came to Jacksonville and asked me to be president. There was a lot of killings and crime here, so he asked me to be president. “I actually said no because I was already busy with my church and community,” Foy said.
Foy was afraid to take the job at first, but that changed when Johnnie Gatlin and her two sons, Chris Kirkland, 12, and Deon Kirkland, 13, were killed by mistake.
“That’s kind of what got MAD DADS started. I asked, “Who’s trying to fix it?” They said, ‘Nobody.’ “So, the Holy Spirit told me, ‘Why don’t you do something about it?’ and I did,” Foy said.
MAD DADS has kept getting bigger since then. Events and walks around the area are not required. The group has always told people to break the rule of silence on the street and call Crime Stoppers.
Foy was also affected by the case of Dreshawna Davis, an 8-year-old girl who was killed while protecting her sisters from bullets.
Foy gave a simple answer when asked what keeps him going after 20 years of helping families: “It’s a calling for me.” This is what God told me to do.”
Foy’s work in the community has earned him a number of prizes. He said that he will continue to serve and lead the group as long as he has life in his body.
“Even if I leave today, MAD DADS will still be here. And there is still a boss. “I train that leader,” said Foy.
This is what Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters had to say about the group’s 20th anniversary.
“Over the years, M.A.D. D.A.D.S. has made a huge difference in Jacksonville. I have also had many chances to work with Mr. Foy and his group as they help victims and their families. I respect what the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has done and is still doing for our city, and I thank them for it.
MAD DADS also works with Florida Youth Maritime Training to help train young people to work on ships. This gives them a job where they can grow and stay away from the things that often lead to crime and violence.
Foy also told the group what he wanted to say:
“You’re valuable. You are, you’re an advantage. But let’s get rid of these people who aren’t helpful. Foy asked, “If you know something, why would you carry it around with you?”
If you know something about a crime that hasn’t been solved, you can call Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS and stay private.
