By Behind the Badge Foundation
Supporting the Heart of Law Enforcement: Behind the Badge Foundation's Enduring Mission
At Behind the Badge Foundation (BtBF), our mission is to honor law enforcement officers who have died or suffered serious injury in the line of duty, while providing critical support to their families and the agencies they served. We walk alongside families, officers, and departments during their most difficult days and throughout their lifelong journey of healing. Our work is rooted in compassion, resilience, and a commitment to always remember.
While organizations like the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) focus on preparing officers for service, Behind the Badge Foundation ensures that when tragedy strikes, no one walks alone. As the organization entrusted with the care and stewardship of the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial, BtBF carries the profound moral responsibility of honoring those whose lives were taken in service. This sacred obligation grounds all that we do. Together, we form a stronger network of support, training, and care that upholds the values of public safety in our state. In addition to the Memorial and response work, BtBF leads wellness and family programs that strengthen relationships, build resilience, and support the holistic well-being of those who serve and those who stand beside them.
Responding with Compassion and Care
When a line-of-duty death occurs in Washington, BtBF activates our Line of Duty Death Response Team (LoDDRT). This team—made up of experienced law enforcement professionals, survivors, and volunteers—offers immediate support to the fallen officer’s family and department. From funeral planning and honor guard coordination to long-term survivor support, we work to ensure the officer is remembered with dignity and their family receives the care they need.
Since its inception, BtBF has responded to dozens of line-of-duty deaths across the state and supported countless family members, coworkers, and friends affected by tragedy. Our response services also extend to serious injury incidents and law enforcement suicides, recognizing that every life impacted in service deserves to be honored and remembered.
Building Resilient Survivors and Stronger Communities
Healing doesn't end after the memorial. That is why BtBF offers ongoing survivor support through events, regional meet-ups, family resources, and access to therapy. In the past year, hundreds of survivors have participated in programs designed to create connection, offer guidance, and provide space to honor their grief.
Grief doesn't follow a timeline, and healing looks different for everyone. What matters most is that survivors feel seen, supported, and remembered. That's the commitment we make to every family we serve.
Behind the Badge Foundation is also committed to officer wellness and family support through initiatives like the Law Enforcement Family Network (LEFN), which empowers law enforcement families to build resilience and healthy relationships. Our LEFN Conference and quarterly Regional Meet-Ups offer education, connection, and strength-building tools tailored to the unique needs of law enforcement households.
A Trusted Partner in Public Safety
In partnership with agencies, communities, and individuals across Washington, BtBF plays an essential role in upholding the dignity of those who serve. We offer trainings to prepare agencies for the unimaginable, support officers through traumatic events, and provide the sacred care required when a life is lost in the line of duty. Through our wellness programming—grounded in the belief that wellness is suicide prevention—we help strengthen law enforcement families, promote mental and emotional resilience, and create pathways of support before, during, and after crisis.
At the core of our organization—and the most humble privilege of all—the Foundation also maintains the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial (WSLEM) in Olympia, ensuring that the names of fallen officers are forever remembered. In May 2025, we will add new names to the memorial wall, joining the 344 already inscribed, during the annual Peace Officers Memorial and Medal of Honor Ceremony.
Join Our Mission
Behind the Badge Foundation believes that honoring the fallen and supporting the living are equally important parts of public safety. We invite you to stand with us in service to Washington’s law enforcement families.
Learn more about our work, upcoming events, and how to get involved by visiting behindthebadgefoundation.org.
Their Duty was to Serve. Our Duty is to Remember.
