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Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial 20 Year Anniversary: Two Decades. One Promise.
May 2, 2026 marks the 20 year anniversary of the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial located on the Capitol Campus in Olympia. We have spent the last year documenting the story of how it was built, telling the stories of the people it has impacted, and sharing the meaning behind the names immortalized on the wall. If you shared a story, photo, or memory, we thank you for being a part of this initiative. As we look to the future, it is our promise to always be true stewards of the Memorial. This is our promise. This is our mission.
Join us in May at the Memorial to commemorate the 20-year dedication:
May 2nd at 12 PM
- Peace Officers Memorial/Medal of Honor Ceremony
May 3rd at 11:30 AM
– A Reading of the Names
May 15th All Day
– Bell Ringing Ceremony
This video offers a closer look at the ideas and messages shaping the moment.
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Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial Ball and Auction
Traditions like this ball give our family a sense of continuity—like we are part of a much bigger story that didn’t start with us and won’t end with us either. There’s something powerful about pausing to honor who came before us, while also thinking about the families who might come after.
This event is not erasing our loss—but how we chose for it to live on within us. Turning grief (that is such a private, heavy weight) into a positive feeling by entering a space where people gather, remember, and even feel joy alongside their grief, is how we chose to celebrate him as a tribute.
The ball has become more than tradition for us—it’s a place where all of the shared loss and presence is still felt, but in a way that’s surrounded by support, shared understanding, and community. Especially within the LEO community, where people get the weight of that kind of loss, that kind of space is really grounding for our friends and family to share.
And it’s okay that it’s something to look forward to. Celebration and remembrance don’t cancel each other out—they can exist in the same room, honoring the fullness of who he was and what he meant to all of us.
- Kelli Rocha
(Spouse - Dan Rocha - Everett Police Department - EOW 03.25.2022)
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Enhancing Officer Wellness and Resiliency in Policing
In times of stress and uncertainty, officers must take practical steps to prioritize mental and physical wellness. This resilience resource outlines empirically validated skills to help officers overcome adversity and challenges, manage stress, maintain peak performance, and thrive in their personal and professional lives.
| Whether you're a survivor, officer, family member, supporter, or part of an agency, you'll find more helpful resources at the Behind the Badge Foundation Resource Center. | | |
Are You A Law Enforcement Family? We Want To Hear From You!
The Law Enforcement Family Network (LEFN) Conference brings together law enforcement families, officers, and support organizations to focus on education, connection, and resources that strengthen both officers and their families. The goal is to provide speakers and sessions that address the unique challenges that come with the profession while also offering practical tools and opportunities to connect.
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Potential topics include: Resilience & Mental Health, Trauma & Critical Incidents, Suicide Awareness & Prevention, Family Support & Parenting, and Wellness & Stress Management.
Not seeing a topic you want? Let us know in the survey.
And join us for the Law Enforcement Family Network Conference on November 6-8 in Everett, WA.
| | Behind the Badge Foundation at T-Mobile Park on July 5! | | |
The Seattle Mariners have invited Behind the Badge Foundation to be the beneficiary of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Sunday, July 5, as the Seattle Mariners take on the Toronto Blue Jays.
Score a specially priced Main Level or View Level ticket and be part of the excitement—while giving back. For every ticket sold, $5 will be donated to Behind the Badge Foundation, supporting law enforcement families across Washington.
Plus, each ticket includes an exclusive Mariners-themed Law Enforcement Appreciation T-shirt—perfect for showing your pride both in the stands and beyond. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy great baseball, honor our law enforcement community, and make a meaningful impact!
| | We’d like to recognize the dedication of all those training to become law enforcement officers. These recruits invest countless hours preparing for their careers, and we commend their hard work and commitment to serving and protecting their communities. | | Help Us Reach our GiveBIG Goal! | |
Behind the Badge Foundation stands beside the families of Washington law enforcement officers who have suffered a line-of-duty death. In their hardest moments, we help ensure they are not alone.
Your support helps us honor fallen officers, care for their families, and stand with those who continue to serve our communities.
Early Giving Opens: April 28
24 Hour Day of Giving: May 5
Goal: $5,000
Donate and help us carry this mission forward.
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New Face at Behind the Badge Foundation: Meet Tiffany
Hi! I’m Tiffany, the new Office Manager here at Behind the Badge Foundation. My position here is quite fluid, and I get to assist my teammates in many ways. This could be anything from copy jobs, setting up volunteer in-office tasks for mailers, running reports for Board Committee members, requesting funds through grants, answering phones, receiving contracts, and other organizational tasks.
I am a longtime girlfriend of a city police officer, and I have seen the positive effects of companies and people supporting law enforcement and the reverse. For nearly ten years, I owned/operated a successful firearm retail store. We were big supporters of the law enforcement community, and I joined the Foundation’s Ball and Auction committee after donating for many years. I even received my LEM license plate 16 years ago.
A few years ago, friends of mine were squadmates and friends of a fallen officer. Seeing the help and care that Behind the Badge Foundation gave to their squads made me realize that the Foundation's support is so vital, especially now. It gave me a whole new perspective, and I wanted to do even more.
When not working, you’ll usually find me in my garden growing vegetables, cooking or baking for friends and family. My boyfriend and I also enjoy flying across the country to visit family and travel the world.
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We are honored to spotlight Mark Cole, a retired law enforcement officer with the Prosser Police Department who served 24 years and now continues that service as a member of Behind the Badge Foundation’s Line of Duty Death Response Team (LoDDRT).
Mark’s connection to Behind the Badge Foundation began early in his career after the loss of his field training officer, Mike Marshall, while serving with the Omak Police Department. Mike’s dedication to the profession and the impact of his loss left a lasting impression on Mark and shaped his commitment to honoring fallen officers and supporting the families and departments they leave behind. Years later, after Mark's then chief attended a BtBF training, Mark was asked to help his department be prepared for a response to a line-of-duty death. Inspired by the mission and his own experience, Mark reached out to BtBF for guidance and was later asked to join the team.
Within the LoDDRT, Mark serves in the Logistics Section, helping coordinate many logistical needs and support for the command center and family areas during responses. His work helps ensure each memorial response is carried out with care and coordination, allowing families and departments to focus fully on honoring their loved one and one another.
One of Mark’s most meaningful experiences with the team came while helping support the memorial for Sergeant Ken Salas in Spokane. During that time, he witnessed the generosity of community members and businesses who stepped forward to donate supplies and services so more of the funds raised could go directly to the fallen officer’s family.
Outside of his role with the Foundation, Mark enjoys spending time with his wife and soulmate of 27 years. Together they enjoy traveling and serving in their church. He also volunteers with community outreach at his local police department and serves at a local food bank. When he has the chance to get outdoors, Mark enjoys hiking with his goldendoodle, Maui Girl, and spending time reading.
Thank you, Mark, for your incredible commitment, humble service, and authentic devotion to honoring fallen officers and supporting their families.
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We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our incredible supporters for their unwavering generosity in hosting events, offering donations, and standing with us in our mission. Your dedication strengthens our community and ensures that we can continue providing essential support to law enforcement families.
A Special Thank You To:
- Rebecca Grondel for leading March's Survivor Virtual Gathering.
- Jim at Precision Press for quick turnaround on several different recent requests.
- WASPC for hosting us during LoDDRT Training.
- Chick-fil-A - Lacey for donating sandwiches for LoDDRT Training.
- Jamison Roberts & Cindi Sinnema for helping to put on our LoDDRT Training.
- Clark County Sheriff's Office - hosting LoDD for Executives Training.
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Volunteer Appreciation Month
We want to thank all of the hardworking, dedicated, and relentless volunteers who show up for Behind the Badge Foundation. You play a vital role in advancing the Foundation’s mission by giving your time, skills, and passion. We appreciate you.
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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. | | | | |
