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The Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial Ball and Auction: 28 Years of Purpose; The Memorial 20 Years of Promise
I’ve been to plenty of fundraising events over the years—but lemme tell ya, our Ball & Auction, or by its official name, ‘The 28th Annual Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial Ball and Auction’ stands apart. I mean come on, just the name alone should tell you that we’re a little different.
There’s the formal photos, evening dresses and class A uniform. The powerful presence of the Regional Honor Guards. Pomp and circumstance of piping-in the Head Table (something my good friend and Event Director Kevin Haistings insists we do each year). An amazing variety of biddable items expertly curated by our committed auction volunteers under the direction of Jessica Zielinski. The frenetic pace of auctioneer Fred Granados… watch him nudging your friends to outbid that guy across the room.
We take time to remember and honor, and make some very important recognitions. Then throw in a bit of an international flair with the Vancouver Police Pipe Band, and finally, if that’s not enough, you get to dance the rest of the night away with the ever-popular dance band “Oncore”. And for those in the know, there might be a secret Ceilidh.
All of this is surrounded by the theme WSLEM20, Two Decades. One Promise. commemorating 20 Years of the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial.
And that’s where I have to stop and take a breath…..
Nearly 30 years ago a small group of us came together with one question “Why doesn’t our state have a Memorial?” Which became the primary reason for this event, now tradition came into existence- to help us fund the building of the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial. When I look back at three decades of honor and remembrance and service, that arguably publicly started with the Ball and Auction, I have an extreme sense of pride for what we’ve done and conviction for where we’re going.
So come and join us. If you need a reason, financially, it helps us to continue to Serve Those Who Serve ®. Also…. it's Tradition. And in this world where the superficial replaces formality- it's nice to know that Tradition exists.
-Brian Johnston, Executive Director
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Pucks and Pancakes in Spokane
Pucks & Pancakes was a success and a meaningful weekend for survivors in the Spokane area. From the Owners Suite at Spokane Arena, we cheered on the Spokane Chiefs as they took on the Penticton Vees. The night also included a visit from Chiefs mascot Boomer, who stopped by our suite and signed hockey sticks.
The weekend continued with brunch in downtown Spokane. Survivors connected through conversation and a question game, helping everyone get to know one another and building new relationships that will continue beyond the event.
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As National School Resource Officer Day on February 15 approaches, it’s a great time to recognize the vital role School Resource Officers (SROs) play in keeping schools safe while building trust with students and staff. Beyond emergency response, SROs serve as mentors and educators, helping create positive school environments.
Resources such as law enforcement grants for school safety can help agencies fund SRO positions, training, safety assessments, and emergency preparedness, ensuring schools have the support they need. Read more about these funding opportunities and school safety resources in our Resource Center.
| 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. | | |
Connecting Families Across Washington
The Law Enforcement Family Network (LEFN) brings law enforcement families together through connection, support, and shared experiences across Washington State. Using the regional map above, families can easily identify their area and see how LEFN is working to build community statewide.
If you know of a law enforcement family–focused event happening in your region—whether it’s a gathering, activity, or opportunity to connect—we would love to share it with our LEFN community. Please reach out to Info@behindthebadgefoundation.org or call us at (425) 747-7523 to help us spread the word and strengthen connections across regions.
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On Saturday, February 28, 2026, enjoy a full day of hockey with South Sound Police vs. Puget Sound Fire in a charity game, followed by the Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Everett Silvertips.
Charity Game: Pre-game 12:30 PM | Puck drop 1:00 PM
Thunderbirds Game: Doors 4:00 PM | Game 6:00 PM
One ticket includes both games. Enjoy raffles, a 50/50 drawing, chuck-a-puck, swag, and police and fire vehicles on display—all benefiting Behind the Badge Foundation and Puget Sound Fire.
Tickets are on sale now. Use code POLICE when purchasing through the Police link to support the Police team.
| | 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. | | |
121st Trooper Basic Training Class
January 7, 2026
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5th Trooper Lateral Training Class
January 7, 2026
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22nd Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer (CVEO) Basic Training Class
January 8, 2026
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COA Class 503
January 15, 2026
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BLEA Class 928
January 27, 2026
| | | WSLEM20: Two Decades. One Promise. | |
The Memorial gives me a consistent place to reconnect with my dad in every stage of my life. In the years after a loss, as life continues moving forward, it can be hard to find those spaces which still feel sacred, places that remain unchanged since your loss first happened.
In the 18+ years that have passed, the WSLEM has given me a place not only to reflect and remember my father, but also to process and unpack what life has been like since his death. As I’ve grown up, the memorial has become a place I come to share with him the things I’m proud of, and the things I think he would be proud of, too.
Thank you for creating and maintaining such a beautiful space for remembrance.
-Elise Peyton (daughter - Nelson K. Ng - Ellensburg Police Department - EOW 08.15.2008)
| | We invite you to share a photo, short video, or written reflection about what the Memorial means to you. These personal tributes will become part of our anniversary celebration—featured on social media, in our newsletter, and on our website throughout the year. | | |
Meet Cherie Harris, retired Chief of Police for the Kirkland Police Department, who has served with the Line of Duty Death Response Team since 2006, before it was formally established.
Cherie's connection to Behind the Badge Foundation began through the Honor Guard, and her first service was helping with the memorial of Brier Police Officer Thomas. What started there has grown into years of dedicated involvement with memorials across the state.
Cherie has served in many roles on the response team, including Incident Commander, Deputy Incident Commander, and key positions within the Operations Section. Her continued service is grounded in a deep commitment to both the families of the fallen and the agencies they leave behind. For Cherie, it’s about showing up with quiet strength and making sure no one feels alone on one of their hardest days.
Outside of the team, Cherie values time with her family and the lasting friendships she’s built with teammates across Washington. These are connections that continue well beyond each memorial.
Thank you, Cherie, for your leadership, compassion, and commitment to honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
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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.
Special Thank You To:
- All of the volunteers, participants, and sponsors of the 14th Annual Jayme Biendl Memorial 5k Walk/Run. Additional shoutout to our Mile Marker sponsors: Genesis Refrigeration, Whitfield’s Auto Licensing, Teamsters Local Union 117, Sam’s Cats & Dogs Naturally, and Storage Court Monroe. This event was made possible in part by assistance from the City of Monroe Hotel-Motel Tax Fund.
- Spokane Chiefs for being great hosts for our eastside survivors.
- House of Brunch for a delicious brunch for our survivors to connect with one another.
- Grief Specialist Rebecca Grondel for her continued support leading another survivor Virtual Gathering.
- Helen Taylor for several office days of support with survivor mailings.
- Jessica Odd and Patrick Murphy at Courtyard by Marriott Tacoma Downtown for hosting our 2026 Honor Guard Training.
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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. | | | | |
