|
WSLEM20. Two Decades. One Promise.
I served 20 years in Law Enforcement, and I have 8 friends and co-workers whose names are on “The Wall” in Olympia. When my wife April and I were asked to ring the bell at the wall for the Washington State Law Enforcement Peace Officers Memorial Day in Olympia in 2025, to honor the fallen, it was truly one of the greatest honors of my life.
The work that the Behind The Badge Foundation does is both incredible, and incredibly necessary for the surviving family members, friends, fellow Officers, and Agencies of the Fallen Officers.
It has been said that “A Hero remembered is never truly gone.” I believe this. And because of this, April and I will always support the Behind the Badge Foundation in any, and every way we can.
-Raleigh Evans, President, Seattle’s Finest
| | |
WSLEM20. Two Decades. One Promise
Two of my brothers were with the King County Sheriff’s Office. My brother Mike had 41 years with the KCSO as a Detective when he retired. My brother Mark started in SeaTac eventually becoming a motorcycle officer for Shoreline, a contract city for KCSO. It was normal to regularly see and hear my brothers with their friends, many of whom were in uniform and all usually talking and laughing about everything. I adored all of them as amazing people and almost-family members. And I respected them for their choice to work in law enforcement, their kindness and compassion, and their strength when it mattered.
My brother Mike called me the morning of Mark’s accident, having been involved in a motorcycle vs. car accident while responding to what would later turn out to be a false alarm at a credit union. I was asked to get my parents and drive to Harborview. We spent two days praying for a miracle but Mark succumbed to his injuries on February 27, 1999.
It has been 27 years ago this month since Mark’s accident. Bless the Behind the Badge Foundation and Concerns of Police Survivor groups who were there for any and all of us, even when we didn’t know we needed them. We still have them and as of 20 years ago we also have the Washington State Memorial. It is a beautiful monument for reflection and to reminisce.
- Sheri Smith
(sister - Mark W. Brown - King County Sheriff's Office - EOW 02.27.1999)
(great granddaughter - John F. Weedin - Seattle Police Department - EOW 07.24.1916)
| | |
The demands of law enforcement don’t end when a shift is over — irregular hours, high stress, and unpredictable schedules often make healthy eating one of the first habits to slip. Supporting Officer Safety Through Family Wellness: Nutritional Needs is a helpful resource from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). It reminds us that nutrition is not just about health — it directly supports officer performance, safety, and family well-being. | 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. | | |
Behind the Badge Foundation is expanding the Law Enforcement Family Network (LEFN) section of our website and would love to help promote local law enforcement events across Washington State.
If your agency or organization is hosting an upcoming event, please send us the details so we can help spread the word. We welcome events that bring officers, families, and supporters together for connection, wellness, remembrance, or fundraising.
Please reach out to Info@behindthebadgefoundation.org and include the event name, date, location, and a brief description.
Examples include:
- Charity games or tournaments
- Memorial runs or ceremonies
- Agency family picnics
- Wellness workshops
- Awards banquets or scholarship events
Together, we can strengthen connections across our law enforcement community.
| | |
Behind the Badge Foundation, in partnership with the Washington State Attorney General’s Office – Medal of Honor Committee, will host the 2026 Peace Officers Memorial / Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Ceremony.
Event Details:
-
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
-
Time: 12 PM
-
Location: Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial - Olympia, WA
This annual ceremony honors officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities and recognizes those whose extraordinary courage, leadership, and meritorious service have earned the Medal of Honor — Washington’s highest distinction for law enforcement.
Their Duty Was to Serve. Our Duty Is to Remember.®
The ceremony is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend this meaningful tribute.
| | 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. | | |
JCOA Class 40
February 5, 2026
| | |
BLEA Class 929
February 25, 2026
| | New Face at Behind the Badge Foundation: Meet Will | |
Hello, I’m Will, the new Program Specialist here at Behind the Badge Foundation - my focus will be on Law Enforcement Wellness and LE Family Support. My background includes work in behavioral psychology and time in the funeral business, experiences that gave me insight into supporting people and families through challenging and emotional situations.
I joined Behind the Badge Foundation because I believe first responders and their families carry a unique weight, and they deserve resources and support they can truly rely on. Being part of this mission allows me to help build programs, expand resources, and connect law enforcement and families with wellness initiatives that make a real difference.
I’m a Washington State native who enjoys hiking, traveling, and staying engaged with my community. I’m excited to be part of the Foundation and contribute to work that supports those who serve our communities every day.
| | |
We are honored to spotlight Lieutenant Jeff Olson of the Vancouver Police Department, who is a dedicated member of Behind the Badge Foundation’s Line of Duty Death Response Team (LoDDRT). With 28 years in law enforcement, Jeff brings steady leadership, professionalism, and compassion to every response he supports.
Jeff’s connection to Behind the Badge Foundation began during the memorial planning for Vancouver Police Department Officer Don Sahota. As part of the Incident Management Team, he worked closely with members of the LoDDRT and experienced firsthand the care, coordination, and empathy the team provided during an incredibly difficult time. That support not only helped his department honor Officer Sahota with dignity but also put the department on a path toward recovery. Inspired by that experience, Jeff chose to serve so he could provide the same level of support to other agencies facing loss.
Within the LoDDRT, Jeff typically serves in the Planning Section, where organization and attention to detail are essential. His work helps ensure each memorial response is carried out with precision and purpose, allowing families and departments to focus fully on honoring their loved one and caring for one another.
For Jeff, helping plan Officer Sahota’s memorial and supporting the Sahota family will always be his most meaningful experience with Behind the Badge Foundation. He is also grateful for the opportunity to assist fellow law enforcement professionals and for the friendships he has developed with other LoDDRT members through this work.
Outside of his role with the Foundation, Jeff enjoys traveling with his wife, working on projects at home, fishing, hiking, and cheering on the WSU Cougars.
Thank you, Jeff, for your steadfast commitment, humble strength, and dedication to honoring fallen officers and supporting their families.
| |
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:
- Gesa Credit Union for their sponsorship of the WSLEM Ball and Auction and Hockey Charity Cup. We are so excited to grow this partnership.
- Michelle Nurmi & Uptown Grill for generously providing the dinner for the LoDDRT Training.
- WASPC Staff for hosting the LoDDRT Training.
- Giulia at Hampton Inn & Suites Olympia/Lacey.
- All of the Hockey Charity Cup volunteers, players, Seattle Thunderbirds, South Puget Sound Fire, and agencies that came to show their support of the first responder community.
- Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial Ball and Auction Sponsors: Gesa Credit Union, The Old Cannery, Eastside Exterminators, King County Police Officers Guild, Olympia Orthopaedic Associates, Public Safety Employees Insurance, Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs, Washington State Patrol Lieutenants and Captains Association, and Susan and Patrick Dunn.
- All the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial Ball and Auction volunteers, committee members, donors, Fred Granados, Meeghan Black, Oncore, and attending guests for making the night so memorable.
| | |
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. | | | | |
