The Insider

January | Issue #40

On behalf of the entire Board of Directors I would like to welcome you to the New Year. At our last board meeting, I was honored to be elected President of the Board of the Behind the Badge Foundation. I cannot begin to express my appreciation to Vicky Stormo for her extraordinary leadership throughout her tenure as President of the Board (and before that as our Executive Director). I do not take lightly the responsibilities I now assume in my new role, and I look forward to working with Brian, Meg, the entire staff, and the Board of Directors to continue to build upon the legacy of our Foundation.

I first became involved with the Behind the Badge Foundation through my work as a funeral director assisting with a line of duty death, and from the very beginning, I was inspired by the impact the Foundation has upon those most affected by a line of duty death, including the family, the department, and the communities served.

I have served on the board for several years now and have continued to be in awe of the work of the Foundation and how its mission makes a difference in the lives of so many people. While the Board has a key role to play, the real work of the Foundation would not happen without our dedicated staff and the extensive volunteers who are on the front lines with all our programs and events. Whether you engage in many ways or a few, what you do has a transformative impact on those our Foundation serves.

As we turn the page on one year and begin 2024, I am excited about the potential our Foundation has to take our work to the next level in meaningful ways. Together, let us make 2024 our best year yet!

With sincere gratitude,

Cameron Smock

President of the Board

Behind the Badge Foundation

ANOTHER December to Remember

BtBF was delighted to host ANOTHER December to Remember to bring together surviving families from across the state during the holidays.

More than two dozen volunteers, all staff members, and numerous other supporters were on hand to ensure laughter, cheer, and surprises were in abundance this year. A big, big shoutout of thanks to Lt Scaniffe, Detective Sergeant Moss, and the Pierce County SWAT Team, who were joined by Everett SWAT volunteers in a particularly special Nerf extravaganza for the kids while adults enjoyed specialty drinks, live entertainment and specially curated time to connect.

Special guests Santa Claus, Mrs Claus and the ever popular Grinch sealed the deal on making this the most joyous event of the year!

Resource Central

In the Finding Strength podcast, our dear friend Matt Quackenbush leads conversations with everyday people with incredible stories of struggle and triumph.

These stories help listeners learn and grow, providing helpful, concrete tools along the way to overcome all that life throws at them. In this episode, our very own Meg DiBucci shares some insights about her path to Serving Those Who Serve.®

Regional Meet-Ups Coming Soon!

In 2024, BtBF is launching a series of Law Enforcement Family Network Regional Meet-Ups!

These events will provide law enforcement officers and their families with opportunities to connect and learn from each other while also receiving valuable knowledge and insight from respected guest presenters. Content will be curated based on feedback received from law enforcement families.

While the date for our first Meet-Up is being finalized – we are pleased to announce that we will be in person in the North Puget Sound Region and live-streaming the presentation to the other 8 regions across the state. We hope to see in-person events in each of those regions so local families can take the opportunity to connect as well. If you are interested in being a regional point of contact for these events, please reach out to Cassi or Meg.

Officer Wellness Training Opportunities

We are currently working on our 2024 schedule.

To be notified of trainings or added to the waitlist for a training that is full you can contact our office by phone, e-mail or fill out this linked form.

Behind the Badge Foundation continues collaborating with local agencies to bring you no-cost training.

Contact our office by phone, e-mail or fill out this linked form.

March 11 - 13, 2024

April 8 - 10, 2024

Locations To Be Determined

More 2024 training opportunities coming soon!

Washington Law Enforcement Memorial Plates

Over 10,500 Supporters of Law Enforcement and Behind the Badge Foundation have purchased a Law Enforcement Memorial (LEM) License Plate.

Sales of LEM Special License Plates ensure maintenance of the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial and assist Washington families after a line of duty death. For each plate sold, $28 is forwarded to Behind the Badge Foundation and is tax deductible.

It's a simple way to say, "We will always remember."

Thank You Gary Sinise Foundation!

On behalf of several Washington State families that were invited to participate in Snowball Express, a program of the Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF), BtBF offers immeasurable gratitude for what families describe as ‘simply amazing’ and a ‘truly magical’ experience. Our families, officers and agencies truly feel the love and support when so many people in the community come together.

Thank you GSF – we are in awe!

Line of Duty Death Response Team

One of the core and privileged responsibilities of Behind the Badge Foundation is responding to assist an agency in need after the death of one of their own. In these times, it is the Foundation’s Line of Duty Death Response Team (LoDDRT) that heeds this call. Made up of deeply dedicated and selfless individuals, this team works diligently yet quietly behind the scenes at the direction of the fallen officers’ family and agency to ensure the fallen are afforded a memorial service fitting of their service and sacrifice.

More information about the history and workings of the LoDDRT can be found on our website, but we are delighted to begin to introduce its members to you, one at a time, right here in the Insider Newsletter. Each month you will meet a new member of the team and what it was that called them to the work of Serving Those Who Serve.®

“I came to the Foundation in the early days of the planning of building the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial and to the LoDDRT through a learned musical ability and honor guard position. Today I (hopefully humbly) serve as the Team Leader and primary liaison to the affected agency. I still play the bagpipes from time to time, and I enjoy being outdoors, on a bicycle, in a river with a fly pole or hiking up a mountain trail. I am a proud father of 2 lovely adult daughters and grandfather to 3 baby girls.

We hope you enjoy meeting our team members. They are truly the most dedicated, cohesive, and caring group of individuals I know.”

Brian Johnston

Executive Director, BtBF

Retired Sergeant, Monroe Police Department

January Roll Call of Honor

The mission of Behind the Badge Foundation is to honor law enforcement officers who have died or suffered serious injury in the line of duty. We serve as a trusted resource, providing immediate and ongoing support to families, agencies, and communities in times of critical need. We also maintain the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial, commemorating the lives and dedication of officers who have died in service to our state.