The Randall Lee Nunnenkamp Scholarship Foundation was established in 2006 to honor the memory of Detective Randy Nunnenkamp and his dedication to prevent child abuse. Randy was with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for 17 years and in 2002 he became a member of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit. While assigned to the unit, Randy investigated physical abuse, sexual abuse, and death cases involving children. Before joining the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, Randy was a D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) instructor working with students in grades K-12. Randy also instructed police officers at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, Oregon Police Academy. Randy took great pride in his work and knew of no greater calling than to protect children.

His innovation and work ethic led him to pioneer a program to educate citizens about recognizing patterns of sex offenders. This program was a partnership with his wife Mary. Together they educated thousands of teachers, clergy, and parents about the signs of sexual predator practices and child abuse recognition.

In 2006 just a few months prior to his death, Randy received the Oregon Peace Officers Association's award for "Outstanding Service in the Investigation of Crimes Against Children." Randy would be humbled and honored by the awards that have been established in his memory including:

*  The Clackamas County Child Abuse Summit and Family Violence Conference Champions for Children Randy Nunnenkamp Award  

*  The Randy Nunnenkamp Oregon D.A.R.E Officer of the Year Award

*  The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, Detective Randall Lee Nunnenkamp Child Abuse Investigator of the Year Award

*  The Randall Lee Nunnenkamp Scholarship Foundation Award of Excellence

The Foundation was created shortly after Randy’s death to ensure his legacy will be remembered and honored. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide educational and vocational scholarships to current and former foster care recipients who are actively pursuing career and/or vocational training in order to become financially independent adults. Randy understood that we can’t turn back time and undo the hardships foster care children experience, or protect them from all that lies ahead. But we can offer them hope for their future through tangible gifts of support.

Of specific concern are the vulnerabilities faced by emerging adults currently or previously in foster care. Once foster children enter high school, they are continually reminded that once they turn 18, they will have no state-supported place to live, no assistance for medical care or educational services. Just when their financial needs are increasing, foster care opportunities and benefits are beginning to fade. On their 18th birthday, foster children are sent out into the adult world, frequently ill equipped for the obstacles ahead in life. Many of these young adults are often left without support, family connections, and the skills necessary to succeed. The Foundation seeks to be a part of an extended social support network for these individuals as they work to establish themselves as adult members of our communities. Randy wanted children who had no family to know that his connection with them was not fleeting, that they were loved, that they had potential, and that with help they could overcome whatever life threw their way. The Foundation provides a way to continue the embodiment that message.

In addition to these outstanding awards, the Washington County Children's Services Division dedicated a meeting room in Randy's honor in the Spring of 2008.