Eligibility

Eligibility for Inclusion on the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial

Learn about the eligibility requirements for inclusion on the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial

Understanding Line-of-Duty Deaths

The Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial honors law enforcement professionals who have suffered a “line of duty death” (LoDD) per WSLEM Criteria. It’s important to understand that while an officer’s passing is always painful for colleagues and loved ones, not every incident is considered a “line of duty death.”

Complicating this matter further, government entities, agencies, and insurance companies sometimes disagree about the definition – each for their own reasons. That means the decision to assign LoDD status is not mutually inclusive; just because one entity holds an officer’s passing as a LoDD doesn’t require others to make the same decision.

Our Standard

We understand how upsetting this can be – especially for loved ones still grieving a recent loss. To be as equitable and transparent as possible, our team has worked with a wide range of state and local partners, adjacent organizations, and survivors to create a standard that honors the memory of fallen officers and prioritizes the integrity of the Memorial.

The following overview provides an at-a-glance understanding of our criteria and process. If you’re petitioning for or researching inclusion on the wall, please review the full documentation below before proceeding.

Download the Full LoDD Criteria

The incident must have "arisen out of and in the performance of one’s assigned duties, whether within or outside normal duty hours."

The incident’s details must be investigated and confirmed by state and/or local agencies.

The incident may not occur in pursuance of a crime or be under suspicion thereof.

Cannot be caused by the officer’s own intention to bring about their own death (suicide).

Petition for Inclusion

The petition process was established to ensure a fair and transparent process for all who wish to submit a name for inclusion on the Memorial. The Memorial Committee is made up of a wide range of survivors, current and former officers from varying Washington State agencies, and experts.

Step 1

Submit Petition for Inclusion

The Petition for Inclusion must be completed for an officer’s name to be considered for engraving on the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial.

Step 2

Investigation by Memorial Committee

The Memorial Committee will perform an investigation of the information presented as it deems necessary and appropriate.

Step 3

Decision Period

The Memorial Committee will attempt to render a decision within 90 days of receiving all the information required to support the decision.

Step 4

Acceptance & Inclusion

If the Committee accepts a Petition, the petitioner, family, and affected agency will be notified.

Step 5

Rejection & Appeals

If the Committee rejects a petition, an appeal may be made based on new or previously unseen testimony or evidence via an updated Petition for Inclusion.

Get Started on the full Petition for Inclusion

Meet the Committee

The committee responsible for reviewing Petitions for Inclusion on the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial is composed of experienced law enforcement professionals, survivor representatives, and community leaders. Guided by established Criteria and a deep commitment to honoring those who serve, this dedicated group ensures that each Petition is thoroughly evaluated with care and respect for the sacrifices made.

Submit Your Interest

Gayle Frink-Schulz

Survivor, BtBF Retired

Frank Kampsen

Seattle Police Department, Retired

Roger Dixon

Seattle Police Department, Retired

Matt Fehler

Washington State Patrol, Captain

Jamison Roberts

Washington State Department of Corrections, Emergency Operations Chief

Meg DiBucci

Survivor, Everett Police Department, Retired

Kevin Haistings

Seattle Police Department, Sergeant

What Does Denial Mean?

Inclusion or denial from the Memorial does not impact decisions made by other local, state, federal, or private organizations or institutions that determine their benefits and/or recognitions. Families and agencies are encouraged to take advantage of Behind the Badge Foundation’s extensive resources for after-event support, whether their officer is included on the Memorial or not.

Exclusion from the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial is not a statement about the quality of any officer’s career, service, or character. Rather, it speaks only to the circumstances under which the incident in question took place.

Any questions?

If you have additional questions or concerns about our processes, our team is available to talk. Grief is never easy, and our goal is to be a part of your healing.