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BEHIND the BADGE FOUNDATION

Memorial
About
- Contact
- FAQ
- History
- Team
Calendar
Blotter
Support
- Donate
- Volunteer
- Drive With Purpose
- Shop
- Wishlist
Awards
- Frank Kampsen
- Gayle Frink-Schulz
Resources

Resource Center

Law Enforcement Families

Law Enforcement Families

Community Supporters

Community Supporters

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Survivor Stories of the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial
Survivor Stories of the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial

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We provide critical after-event support for Washington law enforcement families, communities, and agencies who’ve experienced a line-of-duty death.

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The home team is bigger than one person. It is ma

The home team is bigger than one person.

It is made up of officers and their adult family members, including spouses, partners, parents, siblings, adult children, close friends, peer support teams, chaplains, agency leaders, and the people who walk alongside law enforcement families through the realities of this work.

The LEFN Conference is built for that whole circle of support.

It is a place to learn practical tools, talk honestly about the impact of law enforcement life at home, and spend time with people who understand the lifestyle without needing everything explained.

For some, this weekend is about finding language for what they have been carrying. For others, it is about strengthening communication, reconnecting with family, or building relationships outside their own agency.

However you come into the weekend, there is a place for you here.

Join us November 6–8 in Everett.
⭐️ Learn More and Register at the link in our bio.

We are honored to spotlight Ben Kokjer, a member o

We are honored to spotlight Ben Kokjer, a member of the Operations Section with Behind the Badge Foundation’s Line of Duty Death Response Team (LoDDRT). Ben serves as Chief Deputy with the @KittitasSheriff's Office and has more than two decades of experience in law enforcement, bringing leadership, dedication, and experience to every response he supports.

Ben’s connection to Behind the Badge Foundation began following the tragic loss of Kittitas County Deputy Ryan Thompson. Witnessing the impact that Ryan’s passing had on the agency and community inspired Ben to become involved with the LoDDRT. His first service with the LoDDRT came during the memorial for Grant County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jon Melvin, an experience that strengthened his commitment to serving on the team.

Within the LoDDRT, Ben has served as Deputy Chief of Operations, helping coordinate the many moving parts that ensure each memorial response is carried out with professionalism, care, and respect. His leadership helps ensure each response is organized with care, allowing agencies and families to focus on honoring their loved one.

One of the most meaningful experiences for Ben during his time with the team was hearing Clayton James speak about the importance of taking care of yourself while serving others. That message of resilience and wellness continues to influence how Ben approaches both his work and his support for fellow first responders.

Outside of the response team, Ben enjoys spending time with his family, especially supporting his kids in their sports activities. He also enjoys hunting and spending time outdoors.

Thank you, Ben, for your leadership, service, and dedication to honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

This Saturday, we climb. There is still time to j

This Saturday, we climb.

There is still time to join us for the 5th Annual Step to Remember Stair Stepper Challenge at @HopMountainTaproom in Mead, WA.

Take on 110 flights, representing the 110 stories first responders climbed on 9/11, and be part of a powerful tribute to fallen heroes and the families they left behind.

Don’t wait until it’s over and wish you had been there. Take the climb with us.

Register now through the event page at the link in our bio.

We’re excited to announce a special partnership wi

We’re excited to announce a special partnership with Dry Fly Distilling in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial.

Dry Fly is producing a limited run of just 100 bottles each of Single Batch Gin and Wheat Whiskey, created to commemorate WSLEM20 and honor Washington law enforcement.

Proceeds from this special release will benefit Behind the Badge Foundation and help support our mission of serving law enforcement families and honoring the fallen.

Production is underway, and we’ll be sharing details on how to order soon.

Their Duty Was To Serve. Our Duty Is To Remember.

Their Duty Was To Serve. Our Duty Is To Remember. ®

#MemorialMonday #WSLEM |

Going back to school can feel different when a chi

Going back to school can feel different when a child is grieving.

Returning to routines, seeing classmates, and facing questions or reminders of someone they miss can make the transition especially difficult. Parents and caregivers can help by creating consistency, making space for emotions, and ensuring children know where they can turn for support.

This resource from the Children’s Bereavement Center offers guidance for helping grieving children navigate the return to school.

🔗 Read the article at the link in our bio.

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9040 Willows Road NE, Suite 101 Redmond, WA 98052

info@behindthebadgefoundation.org

(425) 747-7523

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