MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – An actor well known for his current role on a popular TV show is helping to make a difference in the lives of the law enforcement community in South Florida, lending his star power to a local organization.
He plays rough-and-tumble rancher Rip Wheeler in the hit series “Yellowstone” but actor Cole Hauser was speaking to Local 10 News’ Janine Stanwood about another role.
“I am always supportive of people who put their lives on the line,” he said.
Hauser is helping out with the Police Officer Assistance Trust or POAT, a longtime, local non-profit that provides financial help to officers and their families in Miami-Dade County.
“I come from a long line of military,” Hauser said. “My grandfather, Milton, he was in Iwo Jima, World War II. He was a marine.”
Hauser has done tours with USO and supported 9/11 survivors. He says it’s his way of giving back.
“To me, my family, and my friends, and the people I hang out with, they care very much about first responders and police officers, no matter where they are in the country,” Hauser said.
Police officers like Frank Sangineto with Miami-Dade PD.
He was diagnosed with COVID-19 in 2021 and his health spiraled quickly.
“I had to go to emergency surgery, that’s all I remember,” Sangineto said. I couldn’t talk, I couldn’t move.”
Doctors gave him the grim news that he would need a double lung transplant.
“That day I spent pretty much the day crying thinking this could be the end,” he said. “I have a 14-year-old son.”
Sangineto was flown to Shands hospital in Gainesville and POAT helped pay his bills.
“They told us not to worry about the bills, worry about just getting better,” he said. “I still have my house, I still have my son. It honestly lifted a lot of weight off my shoulders.”
POAT also assisted with funeral travel expenses for the family of Cesar Echaverry, who was shot in the line of duty, and more than 900 officers since 1989.
“This is an entity that directly provides immediate assistance,” said Miami-Dade Police Deputy Director Chris Carothers.
“What it does,” added Miami-Dade Police Chief Alex Casas, “It gives officers peace of mind, that they can go to work, and put it all on the line , and no matter what happens, their families are gaping to be taken care of.”
The directors of POAT said Hauser’s appearance provided a boost.
“It absolutely has generated a lot of interest in the organization,” said Casas.
“It was amazing,” said Carothers. “I think my wife was more excited than I was initially. Obviously I’m a huge fan of Cole.”
For his part, Hauser doesn’t take his popularity with cops lightly.
“It’s an honor, obviously,” he said. “I look at them as heroes.”
In a partnership with Vera Cadillac, Hauser will also be auctioning off a brand new pickup truck, with the proceeds going right back to POAT.
“It’s satisfying that we must be doing something right, and hopefully we can continue to do that in the future,” said Carothers.
Added Hauser: “It means a lot to everybody here in South Florida and especially to me and my family, so God bless. Please go and donate.”
For more information on the auction, or to donate, click here.