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On December 19, 2025, Washington State Patrol Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting, 29, was tragically killed in the line of duty after being struck by a vehicle in Tacoma.
Behind the Badge Foundation honors Trooper Guting’s service and sacrifice and extends our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and law enforcement family during this difficult time.
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I began my role at Behind the Badge Foundation in April 2024. In May 2024, I visited the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial for the first time during the Peace Officers Memorial and Medal of Honor Ceremony. It was there that I truly felt the impact a wall can have—not just on families, but on officers and entire communities. As we gathered, roses were laid and tears were shed, yet to my surprise, there was also laughter and smiles. In that moment, it became clear to me that the Memorial is not only a place of grief, but a place of remembrance—where we honor the good, the difficult, and the profound sacrifice made by those whose names are etched into the wall to protect the citizens of Washington.
Our 20-year anniversary initiative, WSLEM20—Two Decades. One Promise.—has been a Foundation-wide effort to reconnect with and re-educate ourselves on the Memorial’s history. We’ve searched through our files, reviewed articles from the state archives, and interviewed many of the decision-makers who first imagined the Memorial and brought it to life in the early 2000s. What has stood out most to me is the extraordinary commitment of survivors, lawmakers, builders, officers, board members, architects, and donors. This Memorial exists because of determined individuals who deeply cared about the law enforcement community—and recognized that the sacrifice is not only made by the officer, but by their families every single day. They deserve a place to grieve, to find peace, and to honor their fallen loved ones.
We invite you to be part of our WSLEM20 initiative. We value the stories that reflect our community’s experiences at the Memorial and the impact it has on those who visit. What did you feel that day? What does it mean to you to see fallen officers honored on the wall?
Submit your story using the link below, with a photo if you have one. Join us in preserving this important piece of Washington state’s history—every shared story is a powerful reminder of our mission.
If you haven’t yet visited the Memorial, I encourage you to do so. Sit on the marble bench, read the names, and take in the quiet stillness as you look out over Puget Sound. Reflect on the sacrifices behind each name, and remember that every inscription represents a life, a family, and an agency forever changed.
Their Duty was to Serve. Our Duty is to Remember. ®
- Brandon Schmitt, Community Engagement Specialist, BtBF
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A Holiday Celebration Filled with Heart
Our Survivor Holiday Party was filled with joy, connection, and holiday cheer. Families enjoyed festive crafts, a comforting holiday meal, and warm drinks from the coffee cart. Kids took on a NERF obstacle course, battled a towering yeti, and rescued Cindy Lou Who from the Grinch.
The celebration included a special visit from Santa, escorted by SWAT, and a meaningful hallway walk through the academy, where survivors viewed class photos and reflected together at the CJTC Memorial Wall. It was a day of laughter, remembrance, and community.
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Start the New Year Strong
As we enter the new year and focus on wellness goals, Staying Healthy in the Fray offers valuable guidance for law enforcement families. Created by the National Policing Institute, this resource shares practical ways to manage job-related stress, support family well-being, and talk with children about policing—helping families start the year strong and healthy.
| 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. | | |
Save the Date!
Join us November 6–8, 2026, in the North Puget Sound for the Law Enforcement Family Network Conference—a weekend dedicated to connection, support, and strength for law enforcement families.
More details coming soon. We can’t wait to gather together.
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Police vs. Fire Hockey Charity Game
Get ready for a high-energy day of hockey at the ShoWare Center!
On Saturday, February 28, 2026, watch South Sound Police vs. Puget Sound Fire in an exciting charity game, then stay for Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Everett Silvertips.
Charity Game: Pre-game 12:40 PM | Puck drops 1:00 PM
Thunderbirds Game: Doors 4:00 PM | Game 6:00 PM
One ticket = BOTH games!
Enjoy raffles, a 50/50 drawing, swag, chuck-a-puck, and police & fire vehicles on display—all supporting Behind the Badge Foundation and Puget Sound Fire.
Tickets 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. | | |
BLEA 924
December 10, 2025
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BLEA 925
December 11, 2025
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BLEA 926
December 17, 2025
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BLEA 927
December 18, 2025
| | Everyone has a reason to drive their support of law enforcement. For Kathleen, it’s a family legacy of service and sacrifice. Join the over 10,000 drivers like Kathleen driving with the WSLEM Specialty Design Plate. | | |
We are proud to spotlight Daphine Harris, Business Manager for the Vancouver Police Department and a dedicated Finance Section Member on our Line of Duty Death Response Team (LoDDRT).
Daphine’s connection to Behind the Badge Foundation began after the tragic loss of her coworker, Officer Donald Sahota, EOW: 01/29/22. Stepping into a finance leadership role during such a difficult time gave her a deep sense of purpose, and she has continued serving ever since. For Daphine, the work is emotional but meaningful, and is rooted in a desire to bring compassion, respect, and stability to grieving families and agencies.
In her time with the LoDDRT, she has served primarily in the Finance Section, with additional training in Logistics. Every memorial service leaves a lasting impact, and Daphine is continually humbled to support families and communities from behind the scenes through their most vulnerable moments. She believes that even the smallest gestures, a steady presence, or a listening ear, can offer comfort in the midst of grief.
Outside of the team, Daphine enjoys camping, hiking, traveling, and spending quality time with her daughters. She brings the same care and thoughtfulness to her personal life as she does to every response.
Join us in honoring Daphine Harris for her integrity, strength, and service. Her dedication behind the scenes ensures that every family feels supported and that every fallen officer is remembered with honor.
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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 in 2025. Your dedication strengthens our community and ensures that we can continue providing essential support to law enforcement families.
Special Thank You To:
- The LoDDRT, Washington State Patrol Community, and all of the supporters who reached out and helped during the Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting Memorial.
- WSCJTC for allowing our Survivor Holiday Event to happen at your Burien location.
- Our 2026 printed calendar packing party volunteers.
- All of the Giving Tuesday and End of the Year donors.
- Espressly Esther for donating part of her time and services to our Survivor Holiday Event.
- Chelsea Tornga Photography for donating her photobooth to our Survivor Holiday Event.
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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. | | | | |
