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The Insider
August 2023 | Issue #35
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As a law enforcement family, Behind the Badge Foundation is not an organization you want to see showing up at your door. This is not a club you want to be a part of. But once you are here, there is no going back. And once you are here, there is no one better to walk you through the worst moments of your life than the people of BtBF.
I can’t imagine not knowing Meg, Gayle, Brian, and so many more whom I have met through this organization; life simply would not be the same without them. Almost 4.5 years ago, when BtBF appeared in my life, I knew instantly that one day I would be on their side of things. My mom told Meg she couldn’t have me until I was in college or after. And now here I am, going into my senior year at Central Washington University, working in the BtBF office for the second summer in a row. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to do work that is truly meaningful and impactful. This army of people is selfless, dedicated, and persistent in doing all we can to support our survivors and our law enforcement family. Thank you to every person who I have met because of BtBF for being a meaningful part of my life. BtBF, I wish we never had to meet, but now that we have, I’m so grateful we did.
Madison Thompson, surviving daughter of Deputy Ryan Thompson, Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office, EOW 03.19.2019.
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We want to express tremendous gratitude for the generosity shown to our surviving families during Seafair events this weekend!
A huge shoutout to Mr. Stephen Lamson, President of Continental Productions, and to Beacon Plumbing for honoring the 2022 Washington State officers who died in the line of duty.
The families of each of these fallen officers were able to witness their loved ones’ names on the Beacon Plumbing hydro boats and watch them speed over Lake Washington. They, along with other past year surviving families, were treated to front-row seats at the start/finish line to enjoy Seafair festivities and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It is opportunities like these that bring a spot of joy, comfort, and support to families who have lost so much through the sacrifice of their officers whose lives were taken in service to their communities.
Thank you, Stephen, Beacon, and everyone who made this incredible experience possible.
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Registration Now Open!
Behind the Badge Foundation
invites you to the
Law Enforcement Family Network Conference
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November 10 – 12, 2023
Marriott Tacoma Downtown
in Tacoma, WA
Adult family members are invited to a no-cost weekend of connecting, learning, and evening socials with other Law Enforcement families from across the state.
Families and Law Enforcement Officers may attend independently or together.
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It is bittersweet for us to let you know of this change; we’re happy for Rachel to grow and selfishly sad as an organization to see her leave.
Rachel Crook, our Survivor Events Program Specialist (surviving girlfriend of Officer Jonathan Shoop, Bothell PD EOW 07.13.2020), has decided to move closer to family.
Rachel started as a volunteer with BtBF and has worked tirelessly to bring a variety of survivor events around the state in her time with us.
She continues to tell us “It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later!”. We are going to miss her humor, smile, and dedication to those we serve.
She will officially be moving in September, but we wanted to allow all that know, and appreciate Rachel a chance to say their ‘see you laters’!
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From Hockey Games to the horse races, with a few hikes in between, Rachel has been busy planning. Below are some pictures from a few survivor events.
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Post Traumatic Stress affects approximately 1 in 3 first responders. 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. Attendees will leave with an actionable ‘tactical toolkit’ for themselves, their peers, and their families.
September 8, 2023
October 4, 2023
November 16, 2023
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Behind the Badge Foundation continues collaborating with local agencies to bring you no-cost training.
September 5 – 7, 2023
October 2 – 4, 2023
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West Richland, WA
October 24, 2023, 0800 – 1700
October 25, 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.
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Want to be notified of the next training?
Let us know where you’re located and what class you’re hoping to get into.
We are starting to plan our 2024 training and want to ensure we serve you near where you are!
E-mail us at
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Thursday, August 31, 2023
Registration is open with limited spots left!
for the event details
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Come join us in Mead, WA on 9.10.23 for the Second Annual Step to Remember fundraising event.
Guardians Protection Project is dedicated to providing unwavering support to the families of fallen firefighters, police officers, and military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
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If you’ve never seen barrel racing, it is all about quick turns, high speeds, and edge-of-your-seat excitement.
Join us on August 19 – 20 at Rock N’ Horse Arena for an exciting weekend of barrel racing, Saturday night bar-b-que, with live entertainment and more.
Proceeds help us provide comprehensive support and training to Washington State’s law enforcement agencies and families.
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When you enter our resource center, you select an option that helps identify who you are to law enforcement.
Next, you will find topics to select to help narrow our many resources into what you’re looking for. You’ll see trainings and events that’ll serve you as well as our most recent additions to the resource center.
You can navigate resources in multiple ways, including searching by keywords, resource type, and audience.
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