The Insider
March 2023 | Issue #30
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Behind the Badge Foundation
Online Resource Center
– Reimagined –
has launched!
A number of years ago, Behind the Badge Foundation created an online resource center to serve – primarily – the surviving family members of line of duty and law enforcement related deaths in Washington State. In the years that followed, through unprecedented societal shifts, we recognized the benefit of a single platform for immediate access to resources that also serve our law enforcement officers, families and agencies. 

With a Survivor First approach, we have curated a robust, current collection of resources for those we serve. In the ‘Resource Center Reimagined’, we identified five separate audiences we serve: Survivors, Law Enforcement Officers, Law Enforcement Families, Law Enforcement Agencies, and Supporters. Users will find, with as few as three clicks, access to more than 200 resources that have been recommended, researched, and vetted by trusted people who both offer resources and benefit from them.  

Perhaps most notably, survivors and officers will find vetted grief and trauma specialists and mental health providers who are culturally competent. In-person or virtual, those seeking support will be able find a provider by area of specialty, type of care, location and more. 

Through countless community partnerships and personal relationships, the Resource Center Reimagined brings those we serve many steps closer to accessing the wealth of resources available to the survivors, officers, families, agencies and supporters of Washington state law enforcement. We could NOT have completed this work without those relationships – nor without the tireless, late night, often tedious work of Cassi Bartholomew and Scott Bothel. A very heartfelt and emphatic thank you to each and every one of you who has contributed to this project. 

Trusted support for those you know and love.

Best Regards,

-Meg DiBucci
Programs & Services Director
Family Liaison Symposium
What is a Family Liaison Officer? 
 
A Family Liaison Officer is (typically) a member of the affected agency that is assigned by the agency head to offer support and facilitate communication to the surviving family of an officer who dies from a law enforcement related death. When an agency requests support from the BtBF LoDD Response Team, the agency’s Family Liaison Officer works directly with the Response Team to support the family in the planning of the Memorial service – and beyond. The work of a Family Liaison can be 24/7 in the immediate aftermath of a loss and often continues in support of the surviving family for years. It is often the most demanding role and can be incredibly emotional for the liaison as they walk alongside a family through the depths of grief and tragedy. 
 
Family Liaisons from eight different agencies representing no less than ten different fallen officers came together last week in Olympia to offer their experiences and insights. Over two days, Liaisons discussed what worked and what didn’t work for the families and agencies they served in the aftermath of the loss of their officer. They collaborated with BtBF to continue development of the Line of Duty Death Response Team and how department liaisons can best serve the families of the fallen. Being a family liaison is a unique and potentially isolating experience, so liaisons had the opportunity to meet others who have done similar work and to find ways to care for themselves as well as the families they serve. Their combined experience has and will continue to shape the work of future liaisons who will be tasked with the solemn honor of supporting our law enforcement survivors during their darkest times.  
2023 Location Announced!
The Law Enforcement Family Network Conference
will be held in Tacoma, WA
on November 10-12, 2023
Thank You!
Behind the Badge Foundation would like to graciously thank all of the supporters that gave their time and energy to make the 25th Annual Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial Ball & Auction a big success!

Thank you to the
Event Sponsors
In-Kind Donors
Event Volunteers
Committee Members
Police Explorers
Venue Staff
and to all of the Attendees

Your support will directly support law enforcement across Washington State
Congratulations!
During the 25th Annual Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial
Ball & Auction

Behind the Badge Foundation was proud to present the

2022 Frank Kampsen
Community Spirit Award
to

Mayor Cassie Franklin

For her Unprecedented Care
and Support of the Family of
Officer Dan Rocha
And the Men and Women of the Everett Police Department


“This award is presented to an individual or business that has risen above and beyond to assist and contribute to the planning of a Line of Duty Death Law Enforcement Memorial Service. The award may also acknowledge an individual or business who has supported the Foundation or the programs of the Foundation.”
Did you know?
PermitDirector is used by 40 agencies in WA representing over 5 million residents. Last month, over 10,000 people were made aware of Behind the Badge Foundation through PermitDirector sites via CPL and fingerprinting applications. 

This North Carolina based company approached Behind the Badge Foundation through a referral from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs and the collaboration is proving a success! The product line is a highly useful tool for agencies and Behind the Badge Foundation is able to reach more supporters than ever before.

Check it out (and donate!) when you renew or advocate implementing this tool within your agency.
Register Today
This annual fun run is returning to Bellingham, Washington
on Saturday, April 15th.

Click HERE to get Registered Today!
Upcoming Training Opportunity
Tactical Trauma Training
Life Saving Education

Thursday, March 30
Tulalip, WA

Wednesday, June 7
Ellensburg, WA

Friday, September 8
West Richland, WA

While you are registering for this class... Be sure to visit the Foundation Calendar page to view other trainings and events that are scheduled this year.
As Featured on a National Podcast!
To listen/watch Episode 18
of "Footbahlin" click HERE

"Wreckless" is featured minutes 8:00-14:00
Ashtown Brewing Company and their IPA "Wreckless" was featured on a national podcast in early January. About 8:00 minutes into Episode 18 of the Podcast of "Footbahlin" with Ben Roethlisberger (former quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers), Ben and his co-host taste the IPA and share the attached story.

It is exciting that one of our partners gained national attention for his craft brew and Deputy Sheriff Justin DeRosier continues to be honored and remembered.
www.behindthebadgefoundation.org