The Insider
May 2022 | Issue #20
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A Minute With Meg
As we enter the month of May, for many, a time of birth, renewal, and excitement for the full-on arrival of spring, my heart and mind take a different turn. For the families, friends, and agencies that will honor an officer lost in the line of duty in the previous year, May also brings notably different feelings and expectations.

Families of hundreds of fallen officers from across the country will gather next week in the heart of our nation’s capital to remember and honor their loved ones. Co-workers and friends will stand alongside them – and each other – to respect their pledge to always remember the service and sacrifice of those that have paid the ultimate price and lost their lives in service to their communities. If you haven’t been to Washington DC and experienced the Candlelight Vigil on the National Mall or the Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony on the lawn of the US Capital, I couldn’t possibly describe to you the powerful, poignant, emotional experiences that will play out there. Nor could I adequately explain the depth of how National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, and the events surrounding it that recognize and forever memorialize the lives lost, brings connection and comfort to families, friends, coworkers, and communities.

At the same time, all these epic experiences require those left behind to face their loss head-on once again and in open view. This vulnerability can take its own toll while opening space for growth and healing. And so, with this in mind, I would challenge you this month, and National Police Week in particular, to offer renewed support, thoughts, and prayers for survivors and officers as they Honor and Remember.

On behalf of Behind the Badge Foundation, our surviving families, and the agencies of Washington State, thank you for your ongoing support and for all you do to honor our mission.
Their duty was to serve – our duty is to remember.
Fun with the Fuzz 5k
On April 15, in Bellingham, 856 runners helped raise money for Behind the Badge Foundation.

We want to thank Fun with the Fuzz 5k, and Bellingham Police Department for hosting this event.
Get Registered for
our upcoming Trainings
Behind the Badge Foundation and Deer Hollow are pleased to announce the continuation of this highly reviewed Trauma-Focused Mental Health & Wellness training. Our respected, experienced presenters will share lifesaving content and lead critical conversations regarding Post Traumatic Stress in the first responder field. Attendees will leave with an actionable ‘tactical toolkit’ for themselves, their peers, and their families.

Tactical Trauma Training-

June 7, 2023, 0800 - 1700
 Kittitas Valley Event Center
Amory Building

September 8, 2023, 0800 - 1700
West Richland Police Training Building
GRIN (GRroup and INdividual) CISM gives the advantage of providing both Peer Support and all of the Group interventions (Three days of training instead of four). Each person will receive a certificate in both Group and Peer. Attendees must be present for all three days to receive certification.

June 13 - June 15, 2023

September 5 - September 7, 2023
Line of Duty Death – Law Enforcement Executive Training
Lynnwood, WA

August 8, 2023 0800 - 1700
August 9, 2023 0800 - 1700

A Chief’s/Sheriff’s Guide to Responding to a Line of Duty Death
One of the most traumatic events facing a law enforcement agency is the potential loss of one of their own in a Line of Duty Death. Incidents such as a LoDD are defining moments affecting families, agencies, and communities. How agency leadership plans, prepares and responds to this interpersonal trauma has long-lasting impacts. This two-day course is designed for agency executives and those decision-makers who may be placed in a leadership position in the event of a Line of Duty Death or other critical death within an agency.
Peace Officers Memorial
Medal of Honor Ceremony
Behind the Badge Foundation is thankful for the opportunity we had to recognize members of law enforcement who have been killed in the line of duty
or have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious conduct.
Resource Center Expansion

Over 100 trusted providers are now at your fingertips.

Resources are regularly being added to our robust library. The most notable expansion is an interactive map to help survivors, officers, and their families find vetted grief and trauma specialists and mental health providers who are law enforcement friendly and/or culturally competent. In-person or virtual, those seeking support can find a provider by area of specialty, type of care, location, and more.

Through countless community partnerships and personal relationships, the Resource Center Reimagined brings those we serve many steps closer to accessing the wealth of resources available to the survivors, officers, families, agencies, and supporters of Washington State law enforcement.
Save the Dates
Law Enforcement Family Network Conference

November 10 - 12, 2023
at the
Marriot Tacoma Downtown

Registration opens Summer 2023
Behind the Badge Barrel Bash
August 19 - August 20, 2023
Rochester, WA

You are invited to this annual fundraising event. Denim, rhinestones, hat, and boots are a few things you'll see while you listen to the applause and the roar of the audience in the arena.
Thursday, August 31, 2023

Details & Registration coming soon
Here is to all of the women in our lives that have been the person we needed most. From our family to yours, we wish you a wonderful day!

-Behind the Badge Foundation
National Police Week
May 14 - 20, 2023
Behind the Badge Foundation will be attending National Police Week with the families, agencies, and communities of the following officers:

Donald Sahota
Vancouver Police Department
EOW: 01/29/2022

Dominique “Dom” Calata
Pierce County Sherriff's Department
EOW: 03/16/2022

Dan Rocha
Everett Police Department
EOW: 03/25/2022

Jordan T. Jackson
Bellevue Police Department
EOW: 11/21/2022
In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

Events of National Police Week in Washington D.C.
May 11 -14, 2022

May 11
Arrival
May 12
May 13
May 14
Survivors Conference
May 15
National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service

Wreath Laying at National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

May 16
Survivors Conference
May 17
Departure

*Live Streamed Events
Click HERE for more information


National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring America’s law enforcement community.
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www.behindthebadgefoundation.org