|
In May ... We Remember
May can hold a different kind of weight for many of us.
While much of the world moves into spring, many in our community move into Remembrance. Memorial events, ceremonies, quiet moments, and notable reflection remind us that the officers we honor are far more than names etched in stone. They were loved. They mattered. And they still do.
Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15 gives us a dedicated moment to pause - but Remembrance has never belonged to just one day.
This year, we mark the 20th anniversary of the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial. For two decades, it has stood as a place of honor, healing, and connection for families, agencies, and all who understand the cost of law enforcement service.
We will also continue our 24-hour Bell Ringing Ceremony. Every hour, from midnight to midnight, someone will step forward to ring the bell. Survivors. Officers. Friends. Supporters. Community members. Different hands, shared purpose.
Why do we do these things? Because to remember them out loud matters. Because service should be honored. Because those left behind should not carry that loss alone.
May can be emotional. It can be heavy. It can also be beautiful.
Their Duty Was to Serve. Our Duty Is to Remember.
Always.
- Meg DiBucci (Fiancé – Brian M. DiBucci – Everett Police Department – EOW 07.15.1999), Programs & Services Director, Behind the Badge Foundation
| | |
Survivor Story of Remembrance
February 23, 2012 was the worst day of my life and the lives of all who loved WA State Trooper Tony V. Radulescu. My world as I knew it did not exist and my best friend, my person I wanted to be with forever and grow old with was gone.
Every year, our group of family, friends and co-workers gather at the District Office in Bremerton, to reflect and remember a beautiful person who brought so much joy and laughter to so many. The first several years were filled with sorrow, broken hearts, tears, disgust, and anger over his senseless death. It was like a memorial all over again.
Fast forward to 2026, the same friends and family continue to gather. We tell stories, we remember, we laugh. We catch up on what’s going on with everyone and share those good old stories about Tony and how he would be so proud of everyone and all they have accomplished. Our hearts are healing but still hurt. Most of the tears have now turn to laughter, but there are still sad moments.
- Gina Miller (Fiancé – Tony V. Radulescu – Washington State Patrol – EOW 02.23.2012)
Read more about Gina’s story and the stories of others navigating life after loss in our Survivor Stories on our website.
| | |
|
Every year on May 15, communities across the country pause to observe Peace Officers Memorial Day. It is a solemn day—one marked not by joyous parades or festive gatherings, but by reflection, reverence, and remembrance. And yet, even with official ceremonies and lowered flags, the meaning of this day is sometimes misunderstood. It’s not uncommon to hear well-meaning messages like “Happy Peace Officers Memorial Day” or “Thank you for your service” addressed broadly to law enforcement on May 15.
As someone who walks closely with the survivors and agencies who have experienced the worst imaginable loss, I’d like to take a moment to help clarify what this day represents—and why it’s so important we use language that honors its true purpose. Click below on Learn More to continue reading this article.
| 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. | | |
Law Enforcement Family Network Across Washington
Our Law Enforcement Family Network is seeking support to help spread awareness of law enforcement family‑oriented events across Washington State regions, with the goal of bringing families and communities together. If you know of an event happening in your region, please reach out to Will@BehindtheBadgeFoundation.org and let us know so we can share it with our network.
Be sure to mark your calendars and keep an eye out for registration information for the Law Enforcement Family Network Conference, taking place November 6–8 in Everett, Washington.
|
| Take Me Out To The Ball Game… | | |
The Seattle Mariners have invited Behind the Badge Foundation to be the beneficiary of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day as the Seattle Mariners host the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday, July 5.
Grab a specially priced Main Level or View Level ticket and join the excitement while giving back. For every ticket sold, $5 will be donated to Behind the Badge Foundation, supporting law enforcement families across Washington.
As a bonus, each ticket comes with an exclusive Mariners-themed Law Enforcement Appreciation T‑shirt—perfect for showing your pride in the stands. Don’t miss this opportunity 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. | | |
Last month, we proudly launched our newest campaign, Drive With Purpose, designed to raise awareness and support for the Law Enforcement Memorial License Plate. More than just a license plate, it is a meaningful way to give back. Proceeds benefit Behind the Badge Foundation and the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial while serving as a visible reminder to law enforcement officers that their service and sacrifice are valued and supported.
Did you know that nearly any vehicle with a Washington State license plate can participate? The Specialty LEM Plate is available for cars, commercial vehicles, trailers, motorcycles, and trucks, making it easy to show your support wherever the road takes you.
Already have the plate? We’d love to hear from you. Share your story and tell us why you chose to Drive With Purpose, inspiring others to join the movement. Learn more about the LEM Plate or Share Your Story here.
| | |
We are honored to spotlight Kyle Foreman of the Grant County Sheriff's Office - WA, who serves as a Public Information Officer on Behind the Badge Foundation’s Line of Duty Death Response Team (LoDDRT).
Kyle’s connection to Behind the Badge Foundation began after the line of duty death of Grant County Deputy John Bernard in 2010. During that difficult time, the Foundation provided guidance and support to help plan and deliver a meaningful memorial service for the department and community. After working with the team, demonstrating his compassion, experience and competence, Kyle was asked if he would consider joining the LoDDRT, and he accepted.
Within the LoDDRT, Kyle helps manage communications during responses, ensuring that information is shared clearly and respectfully while allowing departments, families, and communities to focus on honoring their loved one. Kyle also recognized the need for additional team members in Eastern Washington and felt called to help fill that need.
For Kyle, serving with the team has provided meaningful opportunities to support agencies during tragedy while also gaining valuable experience in managing critical incidents and memorial events. Each response reinforces the importance of teamwork, preparation, and compassion when helping agencies and families through some of their most difficult moments.
Outside of his role with the Foundation, Kyle enjoys working on and restoring old Ford trucks. He spends much of his free time fixing up his two pickups, a 1970 and a 1975, combining his appreciation for craftsmanship with his love for classic vehicles.
Thank you, Kyle, for your dedication, service, and commitment to supporting law enforcement families and honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
| |
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:
- All of the Fun with the Fuzz attendees, volunteers, organizers, sponsors, law enforcement officer volunteers, and the city of Bellingham for supporting such a fun event.
- Washington State Sheriffs’ Association, Raleigh Evans, Seattle’s Finest, Sheriff Crider, Landt Farms, the attendees, sponsors, and volunteers for their Sporting Clay Charity event.
- All of the golfers, organizers, sponsors, Moses Lake Golf Club, and volunteers for the John Bernard Memorial Golf Tournament.
- Emele & Riley of the Seattle Kraken for their hospitality with our FLO event.
- All of the GiveBIG donors - you helped us strengthen our mission.
- All the incredible people involved with the Honor Guard Training. This includes Nancy, Luke, Cameron and everyone at - Champion Centre, Jessica, Patrick, and Kari at Courtyard by Mariott Tacoma Downtown, Georgio's Catering, 7 Seas Brewing Tacoma, Gesa Credit Union, The Soup Ladies, Bob Johnston and Mt. View Funeral Home, Starbucks, Fred Meyer, Blue Hero Project, and Chick-fil-A.
- All the Volunteers who helped make Honor Guard Training happen. This includes BJ Buck, John Correa, Frazer Kennedy, Mark Cole, Jolin Lowry, Teresa Taylor & WASPC, Trisha Munson, Gina Miller, Cat Horton, John Yen, Young Song, Kim Crowder, Bri Kennedy, Kiera Kennedy, Bradd Reynolds, Corina Shipp, and Chad Ziegler.
- All the instructors and speakers at Honor Guard Training. This includes Stephanie Bennett, John Duus, Will Rutherford, John Lyon, Jon Blind, Matt Fehler, Kyle Flaig, Ross Clemson, Charles Rohlf, Clayton Powell, Michael McGee, Joe Lewis, Adam Crist, Joe DeRosier, Lt. Col. Christopher Schmitt, Pheobe Mulligan LICSW, and Cheryl Terry.
- The Washington State Attorney General's office and all those who participated in the Peace Officers Memorial - Medal of Honor Ceremony.
- Erin Calata, Kari Frink, Tara Simmelink, Sierra Redinger and all of the other volunteers that assisted and helped plan our first Remembrance Walk at the Memorial.
| | |
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. | | | | |
