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About Us

About Us

Serving Those Who Serve®

The Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial honors law enforcement officers who have died in service to our state.

Legacy

We built and maintain the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial, commemorating the lives and dedication of law enforcement professionals who have died in the line of duty.

Resources

We provide immediate and ongoing support to families, agencies, and communities after a line-of-duty death. Our database offers free tools, coping strategies, educational materials, and trauma-informed resources.

Education

We share resources to prevent duty-related deaths and support the bereaved. Our training covers traumatic stress, suicide awareness, and grief support.

Advocacy

We advocate for both those who have died or suffered a serious injury in the line of duty and the circle of survivors left behind, from family and friends to the broader community.

Support

We offer compassionate support for families of line-of-duty deaths, including memorial planning, benefits navigation, and peer support. Our Law Enforcement Family Network unites active officers and their families.

30+ Years of History

Behind the Badge Foundation was formed in 1997 to plan for and build the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial. After 25 years, we are the most trusted provider of wrap-around services in the state.

Learn More about Our History

Behind the Badge Foundation

Our team comprises current and former law enforcement officers, survivors, and civilian community leaders representing the dynamic law enforcement community.

A collection of police badges and medals representing the Behind the Badge Foundation's commitment to law enforcement.

Board

Team members Brian Johnston and Meg DiBucci pose together with colleagues from the Behind the Badge Foundation.

Employees

Our team members are dedicated to maintaining the Memorial's beauty, supporting surviving families and impacted agencies, and consistently reinforcing our commitment to all those affected by line-of-duty deaths.

A woman and a child shake hands with a man, representing the Behind the Badge Foundation and its volunteers.

Volunteers

A police officer writes names on a wall, representing the Behind the Badge Foundation's tribute to fallen officers.

Advisors

Law Enforcement Memorial, Washington State Capitol Campus

Behind the Badge Foundation

Meet All Team Members

BRIAN JOHNSTON

Meet our Executive Director

Brian Johnston retired after 36 years as a police officer and has been Behind the Badge Foundation's executive director since 2019. He joined the Foundation as a volunteer during the early days of planning the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial. He now serves as its humble team leader and primary liaison to affected agencies.

The Values that Guide Us

The Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial honors law enforcement officers who died in service to our state.

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Service

We are guided first by how well any process or action serves those we serve.

Empathy

We listen deeply to the unique experiences of survivors and honor their grief.

Integrity

We maintain our integrity through a steadfast commitment to ethical transparency.

Commitment

We follow through on our commitments, building relationships through trust.

Support Our Work

Help us continue to ensure that officers who've made the ultimate sacrifice are remembered and their families can find the resources they need.

Donate Here Learn How to Volunteer