The QuarTerly PublicaTion of concerns of Police survivors ... · Brenda Donner C.O.P.S. National...

The QuarTerly PublicaTion of concerns of Police survivors for survivors, agencies and suPPorTers

Fall 2015

2nd Annual“Take the L.E.A.D.”

Law Enforcement Appreciation DayPg. 14

Growing Numbersof C.O.P.S. Hands-On Programs

Pg. 18-19

Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter, which provides important information about services C.O.P.S. offers, including our first-ever National Conference dedicated solely to officer wellness and trauma. Our nation’s law enforcement officers swear an oath to serve and protect, but sometimes the personal cost is high. Officers can suffer from PTSD, PTS, and other physical and psychological ailments, as a result of traumas they witness and attend to in the course of their duties.

Another item of note is our Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D.) event on January 9, 2016. L.E.A.D was initiated in 2015 as a nation-wide demonstration of support for law enforcement and the difficult jobs we ask them to do.

‘Seasoned’ survivors know that grief journeys are not linear. We do not check off boxes as we move from one step to another, and sometimes we return to a stage we thought we’d defeated. Retreats are offered each year, and you can attend as many of yours – or as few – as you want. Retreats are not one-and-done. It may be a decade in between your first and second retreat attendance, and that’s OK.

‘Firsts’ can be particularly difficult; your first holiday, a marriage, a graduation, any milestone without your officer. C.O.P.S. is here to lend a helping hand or sympathetic ear, without judgement, for we all have walked similar paths.

As a small child when my dad died, I went from oblivious to indifference to sadness to anger – many times in one breath. C.O.P.S. helped me, 40 years after my dad died, to understand and validate my emotions.

As the holiday season approaches, please know that C.O.P.S. is aware that it may be difficult for you. Members across the nation are available to you – a call, text, IM, etc. away. Please do not grieve in silence – ‘seasoned’ survivors can lend an ear or a helping hand.

Enjoy the crisp autumn colors and have a safe and blessed holiday season!

The President’s Message

2 ~ Concerns of Police Survivors

Brenda DonnerC.O.P.S. National President

www.nationalcops.org

The 2015 C.O.P.S. Christmas ornament is now available! For a donation of $100, this ornament can be engraved with your officer’s information and mailed to you as a keepsake in your home for the holidays.

This year’s ornament design was inspired by the art-work of 12-year-old Gracie Preslar. Gracie is the surviving daughter of Lakewood (NJ) Police Officer William “Nichie” Preslar, EOW 5/14/2007.

Order yours now atwww.naTionalcoPs.org

To receive your engraved ornament by Christmas, orders must be submitted no later than December 10, 2015.

Kathy Reed joined C.O.P.S. in October 2015 as the Chapter & Survivor Support Assistant. For the past twelve years, Kathy has worked with the Family Readiness Group, which assists military families with basic life skills and other needs that come when a family member is deployed.

Kathy is originally from the New England area. Her husband, Douglas, is retired Air Force and is attending a golf academy in Phoenix, AZ. Together they have three children: Emily (32), Justin (21), and Ryan (18).

Ashley Hill joined C.O.P.S. in June 2015 as the Merchandise Coordinator. Since C.O.P.S. brought merchandise back in-house and opened the online store, this position has grown into a full time need. We are excited to have Ashley on board who brings with her a background in Business Management and retail.

Ashley is originally from Rolla, MO. Her husband Jacob is employed by Premier 54 Motorsports. They have a one-year-old daughter, Phoebe.

3 ~ Concerns of Police Survivors www.nationalcops.org

C.O.P.S. National Board Members 2015-2016

Please Welcome the New Staff Members at the C.O.P.S. National Office

Brenda DonnerAdult Child/1966National President

Patricia CarruthMother/2003South Central

Region Trustee

Cheryl SchultzSpouse/2002

Western Region Trustee

Madeline NeumannSpouse/1989

Immediate Past President

Pete GearyCo-Worker/1990

Southeast Region Trustee

Happy SnodgrassSignificant Other/2005

Northeast Region Trustee

Hector DittamoFather/2010

Atlantic Region Trustee

Tom ReesCo-Worker/1979

Midwest Region Trustee

Toyia BullaAdult Child/1981

Central Plains Region Trustee

Tami McMillanSibling/2006

Southwest Region Trustee

Laurie HuckebaSpouse/1997

Northwest Region Trustee

Janis LampeSpouse/1994

National ChapterLiaison

According to the current Standard Operating Procedures, if you would like to run for a National Board Trustee position, both sitting members or new applicants, you must submit your letter of intent and completed application to Madeline Neumann, Chairman of the Nominations/Elections Committee no later than February 20, 2016.

C.O.P.S. National Board

The 2015-2016 National Board invites members of C.O.P.S. to attend its next meeting to be held at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Hotel in Alexandria, VA, during National Police Week 2016. Exact dates and times will be posted in the next newsletter.

If you wish to speak on a topic, you must submit your request in writing two weeks before the meeting to National President, Brenda Donner, [email protected] and C.O.P.S. Executive Director, Dianne Bernhard, [email protected].

National PresidentBrenda Donner AC/66 - (503) 893-26777352 36th Avenue SWSeattle, WA [email protected]

Immediate Past PresidentMadeline NeumannW/89 - (609) 625-1024PO Box 504Mays Landing, NJ [email protected]

Northeast Region TrusteeCT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI,VTHappy SnodgrassSO/05 - (951) 526-9617PO Box 936East Wareham, MA [email protected]

Atlantic Region TrusteeDE, MD, NC, SC, VA, D.C.Hector DittamoF/10 - (703) 491-55852605 Deepford Dr.Woodbridge, VA [email protected]

Southeast Region TrusteeFL, GA, Puerto Rico & US Virgin IslandsPete Geary CW/90 - (954) 914-498410224 Bermuda Dr.Cooper City, FL [email protected]

Midwest Region TrusteeIL, IN, KY, MI, OH, WVThomas Rees, Jr.CW/79 - (740) 207-0178427 Imperial Ct.Circleville, OH [email protected]

Central Plains Region TrusteeIA, KS, MO, MN, NE, ND, SD, WIToyia BullaAC/81 - (316) 734-27495570 S. Gold St., Apt. 300Wichita, KS [email protected]

South Central TrusteeAR, AL, LA, MS, OK, TNPatricia CarruthM/03 - (318) 308-2850 215 Highway 484Natchez, LA [email protected]

Western Region TrusteeCO, NM, TXCheryl SchultzW/02 - (505) 920-073328A Avenida de MolinoEspanola, NM [email protected]

Northwest Region TrusteeAK, ID, OR, MT, WA, WYLaurie HuckebaW/97 - (907) 632-3795PO Box 230772Anchorage, AK [email protected]

Southwest Region TrusteeAZ, CA, HI, NV, UT & Mariana IslandsTami McMillanS/06 - (650) 255-5721778 Rustic LaneMountain View, CA [email protected]

Executive DirectorNon Voting Board MemberDianne BernhardPO Box 3199Camdenton, MO 65020(573) [email protected]

National Chapter LiaisonNon Voting Board MemberJanis Betz LampeW/94 - (904) 251-321910548 Fort George Rd.Jacksonville, FL [email protected]

Executive Director EmeritusNon Voting Board MemberSuzie SawyerPO Box 3199Camdenton, MO [email protected]

One of the main functions of the C.O.P.S. National Board is to offer peer support to law enforcement survivors nationwide. During the coming months, you may find yourself in need of a sympathetic ear. Our 2015-2016 Board will give you that support.

©2015 The C.O.P.S. Newsletter is a publication distributed free to approximately 41,000 readers. All content in each issue of the C.O.P.S. Newsletter is copyrighted and no part of the publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher or author. The C.O.P.S. Newsletter is an independent publication which does not represent or receive endorsement from or is sponsored by any law enforcement agency, police organization, or social association.

www.nationalcops.org4 ~ Concerns of Police Survivors

Fall 2015 VOL. 29, NO. 4

In This Issue

On The Cover

Submission InformationConcerns of Police Survivors welcomes the submission of articles, trial updates, survivor news and memorials. Please know that not all submissions will be published but all will be considered and checked for accuracy. Inclusion of news articles or court documents makes the process much easier for C.O.P.S. When sending photos, please make sure they are high resolution (600KB or higher) or the original files. All submissions can be e-mailed to [email protected] with subject line “Newsletter Submission.”

Mission Statement

Rebuilding shattered lives of survivors and co-workers affected by line-of-duty deaths through partnerships with law enforcement and the community.

Survivors can seek comfort from C.O.P.S. while awaiting a decision from the following determining agencies: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) Program, National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (NLEOMF) or Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)

Information for Our ReadersThroughout C.O.P.S. publications you will find codes that tell how a person is related to an officer who has died in the line of duty. If you are not familiar with these codes, here is a key for you:

W=Spouse; AC=Adult Child; C= Child; S=Sibling; M=Mother; F=Father; CW= Co-Worker; SM= Step-Mother; SF= Step-Father; SC=Step-Child; GM=Grandmother; GF=Grandfather; GC=Grandchild; FS=Former Spouse; FN=Fiancé; SO=Significant Other; F-IL=Father In-Law; M-IL=Mother In-Law; D-IL=Daughter In-Law; SN-IL=Son In-Law; SS-IL=Sister In-Law; B-IL=Brother In-Law; U=Uncle; A=Aunt; NC=Niece; NP=Nephew; CS=Cousin; FR=Friend

The Quarterly Publication of Concerns of Police Survivors is for survivors, agencies and supporters.P.O. Box 3199 - 846 Old South 5 - Camdenton, MO 65020 - Phone: 573-346-4911 - www.nationalcops.org

Columns & Features2 President’s Message3 C.O.P.S. 2015-2016 National Board Introduction8 News of Note10-12 Healing Your Grief: Seek Reconciliation, Not Resolution13 Survivor Spotlight14 2nd Annual “Take the L.E.A.D.”15 Coping with the Holidays16-17 NPW 2016 Award Criteria18-19 Growing Numbers of Hands-On Programs

20 Chapter News23 Traumas of Law Enforcement Schedule25 Survivors Making a Difference

Fundraising at its Best26 Major Donors and Chapter Tithes

Contact Information4 National Board Members Contact Information6-7 C.O.P.S. Chapter Contacts

This photo from December 2014 is a beautiful image of how replacing a regular light bulb with one that shines blue signals peace and shows support to law enforcement as they continue to patrol the streets through out the holiday season. Please consider taking part in this year’s Project Blue Light by decorating your home with blue lights this season.


This project was supported by Grant No. 2012 PS-DX-0002 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, the Community Capacity Development Office, and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring,Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

To enable the C.O.P.S. organization to provide peer support close to home, 49 C.O.P.S. chapters are functioning and others are in the process of organizing. Below are state or regional chapters that are here to help you through the difficult times:

Alabama C.O.P.S.Paula Davis, [email protected](205) 283-4476 Alaska C.O.P.S.Wendi Shackelford, [email protected](907) 632-3619 Arizona C.O.P.S.Jan Blaser-Upchurch, [email protected](520) 247-2631 Arkansas C.O.P.S.Mary Carmikle, President [email protected](501) 206-8689

California:Central CAL C.O.P.S.Jimmy Howell, [email protected](559) 772-2344

Northern CAL C.O.P.S. Tami McMillan, [email protected](650) 255-5721

Southern CAL C.O.P.S.Irma Rios, [email protected](626) 224-1735

Colorado C.O.P.S.Donald Enloe, [email protected](303) 915-8248

Connecticut - See New England Delaware C.O.P.S.Eleanor Allione, [email protected](302) 388-2657

District of Columbia (DC C.O.P.S.)Hector Dittamo, [email protected](703) 491-5585

Florida:Central FL C.O.P.S.Mary Huggins, [email protected](321) 436-8500

Northeast FL C.O.P.S.Charles Shinholser, Executive [email protected](904) 771-1827

Northwest FL C.O.P.S., Connie Barker, [email protected](850) 243-9636

South FL C.O.P.S.Eric Strzalkowski, [email protected](754) 224-7098

West Central FL C.O.P.S.Cindy Roberts, Presidentwww.wcfcops.org [email protected](813) 713-1756 Georgia C.O.P.S.Roger Parker, Executive [email protected](770) 354-8771 Illinois C.O.P.S.Shelly Kellums, [email protected](847) 727-8549

Indiana C.O.P.S.Nancee Hetrick, Chapter [email protected](765) 427-4097

Iowa C.O.P.S.Toni Galetich-Christofferson, Executive [email protected](515) 422-6252 Kansas C.O.P.S.Karen Bohlender, [email protected](785) 364-3353 Kentucky C.O.P.S.Julie Schmidt, [email protected](502) 376-2891

Louisiana C.O.P.S.James Cook, [email protected](337) 842-8680

Maine- See New EnglandMassachusetts - See New England

Maryland C.O.P.S.Sue Nickerson, [email protected](410) 348-5653

Michigan C.O.P.S.Denise Scarbrough, [email protected] (734) 934-2779

Minnesota C.O.P.S.Susan Smart, [email protected](612) 590-6046

Missouri C.O.P.S.Wendy Viers, [email protected] (816) 645-9242

Montana C.O.P.S.Genny Graham, [email protected](406) 314-3675

Concerns of Police Survivors Chapters and Contacts

Please Note: If you are interested in starting a chapter or would like information on how to get survivors more active in your chapter, contact Janis Lampe (National Chapter Liaison) at [email protected].


New EnglandNew England C.O.P.S.(CT, MA, ME, NH, RI & VT)Kim McCarthy, [email protected](774) 306-2458

New Hampshire - See New England

New JerseyNJ Garden State C.O.P.S.Lisa Preslar, [email protected](732) 330-8111

NJSP Survivors of the Triangle C.O.P.S.Mary Beth Mahlmann, [email protected](609) 731-8483

New Mexico C.O.P.S.Yolanda Cline, [email protected](575) 512-6685

New York:Genesee Valley C.O.P.S.Ellen Guerdat, Presidentwww.geneseevalleycops.orgeellensguerdat@rochester.rr.com(585) 957-3878

Metro New York C.O.P.S.Leslyn Stewart, [email protected](631) 258-8998

Western NY C.O.P.S.Suzi Smith, [email protected](716) 341-6974

North Carolina C.O.P.S.Wanda Rhyne,, [email protected](910) 315-8150

Ohio C.O.P.S.Grace Leon, [email protected](216) 401-7109

Oklahoma C.O.P.S.Susan Green, [email protected](918) 857-9603

Oregon C.O.P.S.Jim Whitehead, [email protected](503) 465-8082

Pennsylvania C.O.P.S.Kimberly Weigand, Executive [email protected](717) 259-6622

Rhode Island - See New England

South Carolina C.O.P.S.Lois Rao, [email protected](803) 320-2252

Tennessee:Middle & East TN C.O.P.S.Trish Mundy, [email protected](615) 364-9094

West TN C.O.P.S.Andrea Woods, [email protected](901) 412-5782

Texas:Greater Houston TX C.O.P.S.Carol Lane, [email protected](713) 410-9068

Metroplex TX C.O.P.S.Ashlee Hardy, [email protected](214) 202-0809

South Texas C.O.P.S.Juanita Garza, [email protected](210) 601-2529

Vermont - See New England

Virginia C.O.P.S.Sue Cheney, [email protected](804) 814-7246

Washington State C.O.P.SErnie Barber, [email protected](425) 522-2677

Wisconsin C.O.P.S.Denise Held, [email protected](414) 416-5999

Utah C.O.P.S.Laretta Beesley, [email protected](801) 825-6354


States without an active chapter:

HawaiiIdaho

MississippiNebraskaNevada

North DakotaSouth DakotaWest Virginia

Wyoming


Have an announcement or story idea for the newsletter?

Send your news to Sara Slone, Director of Public Relations, at [email protected].


Congratulations to Krista and Steve Robson on the birth of their son Nathaniel David Robson on September 20, 2015. Their baby boy weighed 8 pounds 6.7 ounces, and measured 20 inches long.

Proud grandparents include Pete and Debbie Geary. Pete currently serves as the Southeast Region Trustee on the C.O.P.S. National Board. Debbie is a C.O.P.S. Past National President from 1998-2000.


News of Note

Congratulations to Stacey Righi Welter on receiving her Masters of Business Administration from Illinois State University on May 10, 2015. Stacey is the surviving sister of Burbank (IL) Police Officer Patrick Righi-Barnard, EOW 11/25/2004.

Congratulations is also in order for Stacey’s son Austin Welter who graduated from University High in Normal, IL, on May 17, 2015. Austin will further his education at the University of Illinois, College of Biology.

Congratulations to Wallace “Chad” Chadwick on his promotion with the Chesapeake (VA) Police Department. Chadwick has been promoted from Detective to Sergeant.

Sergeant Chadwick has worked for the Chesapeake Police Department for 16 years. He has also served as President of Law Enforcement United, one of C.O.P.S. largest supporters, for over five years.

(Pictured: Sergeant Chadwick poses with his proud wife and three daughters at his promotion ceremony in October 2015.)

Two Onondaga (NY) County Sheriff’s Deputies were honored this summer in a ceremony to unveil road sign markers dedicated in honor of their sacrifice.

Deputy David Clark was shot and killed on February 11, 1987, while transporting three prisoners to DeWitt Town Court. He was survived by his wife and two sons.

Deputy Glenn Searles was killed on November 29, 2003, when he was hit by a minivan as he was returning to his patrol car to get flares for a stranded motorist. He was survived by his fiance, parents, and brother.

The signs were erected at the spot where each Deputy died.

in MeMoriaM

Surviving father, Jim MacDonald, died Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Jim was one of the founders of the North-ern California Chapter of C.O.P.S., where he served on the board for many years. Jim was loved and respected by many and his C.O.P.S. family will miss him.

Jim was the surviving father of Compton (CA) Police Officer James MacDonald, EOW 2/22/1993.


Be sure to check out the NEW C.O.P.S. WEBSITE!

Remember to also visit the C.O.P.S. Shop for your holiday gift ideas and apparel for Law Enforcement Appreciation Day coming up on January 9th!

WWW.COPSSHOP.COMNew items arrive every month!

The new National C.O.P.S. website is up and running! Some of the new features include:n A Calendar of Events (Includes chapter events!)n Easily accessible registration sites for special events, trainings, and National Police Week.n A “Donate Now” button for supporters to easily make a donation.n More photos and promotional videos of programs and events.

Visit WWW.NATIONALCOPS.ORG to find out about all the amazing resources now available!


How do you ever find your way out of the wilderness of your grief? You don’t have to dwell there forever, do you?

The good news is that no, you don’t have to dwell there forever. If you follow the trail markers on your journey through the wilderness, you will find your way out. But just as with any significant experience in your life, the wilderness will always live inside you and be a part of you are.

A number of psychological models describing grief refer to “resolution,” “recovery,” “reestablishment,” or “reorganization” as being the destination of your grief jour-ney. You may have heard—indeed you may believe—that your grief journey’s end will come when you resolve, or recover from, your grief.

But you may also be coming to understand one of the fun-damental truths of grief: Your journey will never truly end. People do not “get over” grief. My personal and profes-sional experience tells me that a total return to “normalcy” after the death of someone loved is not possible; we are all forever changed by the experience of grief. Reconciliation is a term I find more appropriate for what occurs as you work to integrate the new reality of moving forward in life without the physical presence of the person who died. With reconciliation comes a renewed sense of energy and confidence, an ability to fully acknowledge the reality of the death and a capacity to become re-involved in the activities of living. There is also an acknowledgment that pain and grief are difficult, yet necessary, parts of life. As the experience of reconciliation unfolds, you will recognize that life is and will continue to be different without the presence of the person who died. Changing the relationship with the person who died from one of presence to one of memory and redirecting one’s energy and initiative toward the future often takes longer—and in-volves more hard work—than most people are aware. We, as human beings, never resolve our grief, but instead become reconciled to it. We come to reconciliation in our grief journeys when the full reality of the death becomes a part of us. Beyond an intellectual working through of the death, there is also an emotional and spiritual working through. What had been understood at the “head” level is now understood at the “heart” level.

Keep in mind that reconciliation doesn’t just happen. You reach it through deliberate mourning, by:

• Talking it out. • Writing it out. • Crying it out. • Thinking it out. • Playing it out. • Painting (or sculpting, etc.) it out. • Dancing it out • etcetera!

To experience reconciliation requires that you descend, not transcend. You don’t get to go around or above your grief. You must go through it. And while you are going through it, you must express it you are to reconcile yourself to it. You will find that as you achieve reconciliation, the sharp, ever-present pain of grief will give rise to a renewed sense of meaning and purpose. Your feeling of loss will not completely disappear, yet they will soften, and the intense pangs of grief will become less frequent. Hope for a continued life will emerge as you are able to make commit-ments to the future, realizing that the person you have given love to and received love from will never be forgotten. The unfolding of this journey is not intended to create a return to an “old normal” but the discovery of a “new normal.”

To help explore where you are in your movement toward reconciliation, the following criteria that suggest heal-ing may be helpful. You don’t have to meet each of these criteria for healing to be taking place. Again, remember that reconciliation is an ongoing process. If you are early in the work of mourning, you may not meet any of these criteria. But this list will give you a way to monitor your movement toward healing. You may want to place checkmarks beside those criteria you believe you meet.

Signs of Reconciliation

As you embrace your grief and do the work of mourning, you can and will be able to demonstrate the majority of the following:

• A recognition of the reality and finality of the death.• A return to stable eating and sleeping patterns.• A renewed sense of release from the person who has died. You will have thoughts about the person, but you will not be preoccupied by these thoughts. • The capacity to enjoy experiences in life that are normally enjoyable.

Healing Your Grief: Seek Reconciliation, Not ResolutionBy Dr. Alan Wolfelt


• The establishment of new and healthy relationships.• The capacity to live a full life without feelings of guilt or lack of self-respect. • The drive to organize and plan one’s life toward the future. • The serenity to become comfortable with the way things are rather than attempting to make things as they were. • The versatility to welcome more change in your life. • The awareness that you have allowed yourself to fully grieve, and you have survived. • The awareness that you do not “get over” your grief; instead, you have a new reality, meaning and purpose in your life. • The acquaintance of new parts of yourself that you have discovered in your grief journey. • The adjustment to new role changes that have resulted from the loss of the relationship. • The acknowledgment that the pain of loss in an inherent part of life resulting from the ability to give and receive love.

Reconciliation emerges much in the way grass grows. Usually we don’t check our lawns daily to see if the grass is growing, but it does grow and soon we come to realize it’s time to mow the grass again. Likewise, we don’t look at ourselves each day as mourners to see how we are healing. Yet we do come to realize, over the course of months and years, that we have come a long way. We have taken some important steps toward reconciliation.

Usually there is not one great moment of “arrival,” but subtle changes and small advancements. It’s helpful to have gratitude for even very small advancements, If you are beginning to taste your food again, be thankful. If you mustered the energy to meet your friend for lunch, be grateful. If you finally got a good night’s sleep, rejoice.

One of my greatest teachers, C. S. Lewis, wrote in A Grief Observed about his grief symptoms as they eased in his journey to reconciliation:

There was no sudden, striking, and emotional transition. Like the warming of a room or the coming of daylight, when you first notice them they have already been going on for some time.

Of course, you will take some steps backward from time to time, but that is to be expected. Keep believing in yourself. Set your intention to reconcile your grief and have hope that you can and will come to live and love gain.

Hope for Your Healing

The hope that comes from the journey through grief is life. The most important word in the previous sentence is through. As you do the work of mourning, you do not remain where you are.

I think about the man I was honored to companion following the tragic death of his seven-year-old son, Adam, in a car accident. He was heartbroken. His soul was darkened. He had to come to know the deepest despair. Yet, he discovered that if he were to ever live again, he would have to work through his grief. So, he adopted the mantra, “Work on!”

In his process of conscious intention-setting, he decided to believe that even the most heart-wrenching loss can be survived. Perhaps refusing to give in to despair is the greatest act of hope and faith.

Yes, you go to the wilderness, you cry out in the depths of your despair. Darkness may seem to surround you. But rising up within you is the profound awareness that the pain of the grief is a sign of having given and received love. And where the capacity to love and be loved has been before, it can be again. Choose life!

Living in the present moment of your grief while having hope for a good that is yet to come are not mutually exclusive. Actually, hoping and even anticipating can deepen your experience of the moment, and motivate you to “work on!”

Hope and Faith as Trust

Hope is as “an expectation of a good that is yet to be.” So, living with hope in the midst of your grief is living with anticipation that you can and will go on to discover a continued life that has meaning and purpose. If you are in any way like me, maybe sometimes you lose hope and need to fall back on your faith.

Sometimes in my own grief journey, when hope seems absent, I open my heart—my well of reception—and find that it is faith that sustains me. Faith that is inspired by the moments when I’m able to find what is good, what is sweet, what is tender in life, despite the deep, overwhelming wounds of my grief. It is the courage of the human spirit that chooses to live until we die that gives me faith. Life will continue and it will bring me back to hope. If you lose hope along your journey, I invite you to join me in falling back on faith. (Continued on next page.)

Healing Your Grief: Seek Reconciliation, Not Resolution


Reflect on this: Living with hope is living in anticipation of what can be. Sometimes when you are in the wilderness of your grief, it’s easy to question your hope for the future. But living with faith is embracing what cannot be changed by our will, and knowing that life in all of its fullness is still good. Choose life!

Hope and Faith in God

In the religious traditions of Christianity and Judaism, hope is much more than “an expectation of a good that is yet to be.” Hope is confidence that God will be with you in your grief and, most important, that life continues after death. Hope is trust in God even when everything seems hopeless. Hope is the assurance that God has the last word, and that that word is LIFE—even as you confront the realities of the death of someone you have loved. Choose life!

About the Author

Dr. Alan Wolfelt is a respected author and educator on the topic of healing in grief. He serves as Director of the Center for Loss and Life Transition and is on the faculty at the University of Colorado Medical School’s Department of Family Medicine. Dr. Wolfelt has written many compassionate, bestselling books designed to help people mourn well so they can continue to love and live well, including Healing Your Grieving Heart After a Military Death, The PTSD Solution, The Mourner’s Book of Hope, and Understanding Your Grief, from which this article was excerpted.

Visit www.centerforloss.com to learn more about the natural and necessary process of grief and mourning and to order Dr. Wolfelt’s books.

Healing Your Grief: Seek Reconciliation, Not Resolution

Be on the look out for the 2016 National Police Week mailing that will begin arriving in homes at the beginning of January. This package will include the official National Police Week invitation, registration form, and preview dvd.

Online registration will also be available in January.

Registration deadline for BOTH CURRENT and RETURNING

Survivors/Co-Workers is March 31, 2016.

There is no on-site registration for past-year survivors at National Police Week.

National Police Week 2016

Wednesday, May 11Early Arrival Day

Survivor Airport Pick-up (Reagan National only)

Thursday, May 12Official Arrival Day

Survivor Airport Pick-up (Reagan National only)Law Enforcement United Arrival and Flag Presentations to 2015 Surviving Families

Police Unity Tour Arrival

Friday, May 13Late Arrival Day

National Police Week Check-in/Registration at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center28th Annual Candlelight Vigil

Saturday, May 14National Police Survivors’ Conference (Day 1)

C.O.P.S. Kids/Teens Events (Day 1)Day Care for Surviving Children/Siblings

Sunday, May 1535th Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service

Monday, May 16National Police Survivors’ Conference (Day 2)

C.O.P.S. Kids/Teens Events (Day 2)Day Care for Surviving Children/Siblings

Picnic on the Patio

Tuesday, May 17Official Departure Day

2016 Preview Schedule:


Survivor Spotlight

The Survivor Spotlight is a quarterly section of the newsletter that highlights inspirational stories of overcoming grief and healing. C.O.P.S. understands that everyone grieves in their own way and it is our hope that these stories help to connect survivors and show that you are never alone on your path to healing.

The week leading up to May 30, 2014 was perfect for Norfolk State Police Officer Brian Jones and his wife, Rebekah. Brian took Rebekah on a date night, bought her a new wedding set for Mother’s Day and was leaving her love notes every day. It was a fairytale week.

“Our marriage was like a fairytale, but that week it was even more so,” Rebekah said, “But, I believe that we were given that week because of what was coming.”

On the night of May 30, 2014, a couple of hours after eating dinner with his wife and three young children, Brian was wounded after a suspect opened fire on him and another officer who were investigating an earlier shooting. Brain was transported to the hospital where he would succumb to his wounds.

“Brian was shot at 10:48 p.m. and someone was knocking on my door around 11:15 p.m. to take me to the hospital,” Rebekah said, “When we pull up and there were 100 cops there, I knew he was gone.”

At just 28 years old, Rebekah was left alone to raise their three children, Bryson (8), Mariah (7) and Kyler (3). This was not in their plans; they were supposed to grow old together; raise their children together.

In the beginning of her grieving process Rebekah was overwhelmed with her grief along with having to raise her children alone. She admits she resorted to alcohol at night after putting her children to bed to numb her pain. It was unhealthy and she knew she needed help.

“It’s hard. My friends became my support,” Rebekah said, “They have become my family.”

Shortly after Rebekah’s tragic loss, Sharon Story, a C.O.P.S. surviving spouse and Past National President, reached out to her with information about the C.O.P.S. Spouses’Getaway. Sharon continued to encourage Rebekah to attend, ensuring her

that the retreat would benefit her tremendously. So just four months after losing her husband, Rebekah decided to attend the retreat.

While traveling to the program, she remembers thinking to herself “what did I get myself into?” Upon landing she met up with

Sharon who took her around and introduced her to a few of the other surviving spouses at the airport. Rebekah began to feel welcome as the first day continued, but it wasn’t until the spouses broke into their sessions the following morning that she was sure the program was going to help her.

“Once everyone started telling their stories, I knew that I needed this,” Rebekah said. “They all understood.”

After returning home from the retreat, Rebekah continued to seek assistance in the form of counseling and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. The effects of the retreat along with her continued proactive approach to her loss has changed her path on her journey of grieving and coping with the loss of her husband.

“I can now handle my grief. At this time last year I couldn’t,” Rebekah said, “I am proud of myself for how far I have come.”

She hopes to continue to be involved and help other surviving spouses by supporting them in the same way she was supported.

www.nationalcops.org14~ Concerns of Police Survivors

2nd Annual L.E.A.D. - Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

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Join C.O.P.S. as we show our local Law Enforcement Officers that we appreciate them!

Each day they serve to protect citizens and it’s time to say THANK YOU!Please show your support by doing any or all of the following:

Fly a blue ribbon on your car antennae, mailbox, motorcycle, or anywhere it can be tied on

Shine blue lights from your home

Wear blue all day

Send a card or have local schools make cards for the local department

Host or attend a local rally in support of law enforcement

Share your support on social media and change your profile picture to this image

Most importantly, if you see a Police Officer, THANK a Police Officer

L.E.A.D. t-shirts and lapel pins are available for purchase online at www.copsshop.com!

January 9, 2016

If your company or organization would like to be a valued partner for this year’s L.E.A.D. promotions, please contact Blake Haynes at the National Office by calling (573) 346-4911. In order to be included

in the initial promotional material, we must have your committment no later than December 9, 2015.

This article has been a feature in the quarterly newsletter for many years, as it is highly recommended by the C.O.P.S. membership. Please read it, think about how the words apply to you, and remember that everyone grieves in their own way.

C.O.P.S. knows how traumatic holidays can be for survivors. Here are a few suggestions on how to reduce your holiday stress and make the holiday season more bearable for you.

To avoid the crowds, shop early or over the internet. You may find it difficult to shop in malls with all their holiday decorations, carols, and smiling faces. Survivors say hearing Christmas songs can be depressing and can bring about grief spasms.

If you’ve always spent Christmas at home, plan a trip. There is no written rule that says you must be home for the holidays.

Attitude will play a major role in your holidays. If you have pre-determined that the holidays will be terrible, they will be. If you allow yourself to enjoy the holidays, they may be more enjoyable than you would ever believe.

Pity parties are OK as long as they don’t last the entire holiday season.

If you need to visit the cemetery, visit early in the day. If you want to have a good cry, set aside some time in the morning, too. That will free up the rest of the day for better things.

Honor your deceased loved one. Make a donation to a worthy cause, work at a soup kitchen, buy flowers for the church, and do it in memory of your loved one.

If you feel up to it, make meaningful Christmas gifts. Giving scrapbooks, a compilation of stories about the deceased, valued belongings of the deceased which, when presented with “I know they would want you to have this”, will make the holiday so much more memorable.

Don’t be afraid to make your loved one part of the holidays. Christmas ornaments they loved or a special memorial candle - anything that your family is comfortable with is acceptable.

Talk about holidays past, happy shared moments that happened, etc. And remember, if other people don’t think your deceased loved one’s inclusion in your holidays is appropriate, that’s their problem - not yours.

Consider prayer. Many aren’t able to handle what has occurred in their lives without prayer. Visit your place of worship more often during the holiday season.

Laugh. Laugh as long and as hard as you dare to laugh! Give yourself permission to laugh. Sometimes grieving people forget that laughter is a great stress reliever and healer.

Party if you want to. Don’t party if you don’t feel up to it.

Honesty is the best policy. If it isn’t a good day, accept it and don’t apologize for it.

Don’t overdo. If you want to make a fancy meal, make it. If you aren’t up to a big meal, cook a small meal, or eat out!

Alcohol is a depressant. Limit your consumption of alcohol during the holidays.

Strengthen your ties with other family members. If you’ve had family problems, make amends. What a wonderful gift an honest attempt to make amends can be.

While all these suggestions may be right for some people, they may not be right for you. Nobody knows what you want to do for the holidays better than YOU! Just remember that everyone is different and these suggestions, though well-meaning, may not work for you.

The most important thing is to be kind and compassionate to yourself.


Coping with the Holidays

On behalf of the C.O.P.S. National Board, National Staff, and entire membership,

we wish you and your family a happy and healing holiday season!


Award Criteria for National Police Week

Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. will recognize an active, retired or deceased law enforcement officer/official or organization for services above and beyond the call of duty when addressing police survivor issues. The following criteria shall be used when determining the recipient of this award:

This Award shall be considered the highest recognition any law enforcement officer/official can receive from Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc.

The law enforcement officer/official shall be nominated by a member of the law enforcement family. That means any law enforcement officer, survivor, or police family member may nominate an officer for this distinction. They cannot, however, be nominated by a member of their own family.

Applications should cite specific instances of survivor support, advocacy in behalf of survivors, etc. This individual may have worked with a C.O.P.S. Chapter, worked on police survivor legislation, made changes within the law enforcement agency, etc., to promote police survivor care and attention to appropriate police survivor issues. The instances must show efforts above and beyond working with just a single family unit or working on one project or program. Further, these instances must show they are benefiting the National C.O.P.S. Organization.

Letters nominating a person for this Award should be kept to two (2) pages in length. Supporting documentation should be no more than three (3) pages in length.

All applications for this nomination must be postmarked by February 1.

The C.O.P.S. National Board will be called upon to make the final determination.

The recipient of the award will be announced on the first day of the National Police Survivors’ Conference in May.

The Charles R. Shinholser, Sr. Award for Volunteerism is given to individuals who have expended numerous hours and tremendous effort to assist in C.O.P.S.’ efforts to help law enforcement survivors rebuild their shattered lives.

The following criteria shall be used when determining the recipient of this award:

1. The individual(s) eligible for consideration of this award must be serving in a volunteer capacity to the C.O.P.S. organization without compensation from the C.O.P.S. organization.

2. The award is being given by the National C.O.P.S. organization; therefore, their volunteer service must, directly or indirectly, be of benefit to the national organization.

Applications should cite specific instances of the nominee’s volunteer efforts which have shown to be a benefit to the national organization and the results accomplished because of their actions. The instances must show efforts above and beyond working with just a single family unit or working on one project or program.

A member of the C.O.P.S. organization or staff members from the National Office or a chapter office must nominate individuals for consideration for this award. Letters nominating a person for this Award should be kept to two (2) pages in length. Supporting documentation should be no more than three (3) pages in length.

All applications for this nomination should be postmarked by February 1. (continued on next page)

The suzie sawyer disTinguished service award

The charles r. shinholser, sr. award for volunTeerisM


Award Criteria for National Police Week

The C.O.P.S. National Board will be called upon to make the final determination.

The recipient(s) of the award will be announced on the second day of the National Police Survivors’ Conference in May.

This award was formerly named the Todd Ricks Memorial Award for Volunteerism, after Todd Ricks, a U.S. Park Police Motorcycle Officer. Officer Ricks coordinated the motorcycle efforts during National Police Week for several years and was the inaugural recipient of this award. Todd’s efforts helped National Police Week events, including all C.O.P.S. activities, run as smoothly as possible by organizing motorcycle escorts for buses to all events, including “C.O.P.S. Kids” events.

To submit an application for consideration by the National Board to be named as C.O.P.S.’ “Chapter of the Year”, answer the following 13 questions/statements. The answers should be kept in the same order as presented, should be numbered, and should be written in paragraph form. Applications must be kept to 4 pages. All applications for this nomination must be postmarked by February 1 of each year and sent into the National Office.

1. Has your chapter sent representatives to all line-of-duty funerals in your service area?

2. Does your chapter hold regular “support” meetings? How often? How many attend?

3. Does your chapter hold regular business meetings? How often? How many attend?

4. How well do you think your chapter functions: For survivors? For co-workers? Business-wise?

5. Tell us about the involvement of your membership in chapter functions. Is it more than just the Board at various activities?

6. Tell us about the contact your chapter has with law enforcement agencies in your service area.

7. Tell us about the contact your chapter has with law enforcement organizations in your service area. (Do you work with all police organizations or only one?)

8. Tell us about your chapter’s fundraising ventures.

9. Tell us how you spend chapter funds for: A. Local support? B. State support? C. National support?

10. Does your chapter provide paperwork to National C.O.P.S. in a timely manner? (Includes minutes of meetings, financial reports, required annual paperwork, registrations for trainings, etc.)

11. What has your chapter done to promote the mission of Concerns of Police Survivors at the grass roots level?

Has your chapter done anything “exceptional” during the past year?

13. Why do you believe your chapter should be identified as the “Chapter of the Year”?

c.o.P.s. chaPTer of The year award


The Growing Numbers of C.O.P.S. Hands-On Programs

Kids Camps 2015 245 2014 233 2013 226 2012 249 2011 237 2010 229 2009 206 2008 202

2007 210 2006 152 2005 137 2004 101 2003 87 2002 71 2001 72 2000 39

Adult Children’s Retreats

2015 71 2014 45 2013 37 2012 44 2011 42 2010 26 2009 25 2008 13

2007 11 2006 10 2005 12 2004 16 2003 17 2002 22 2001 14

Fiancés/Significant Other Retreats

2015 8 2014 7 2013 7 2012 9 2011 8 2008 4 2007 12

Outward Bound ® Adventures

2015 51 2014 53 2013 41 2012 57 2011 44 2010 34 2009 42

2008 40 2007 45 2006 35 2005 24 2004 21 2003 19 2002 23 2001 18 2000 24

Young Adults Camp

2015 19

Co-Worker for Couples

2015 26

The following numbers reflect the year of the retreat and the attendance. Unfortunately, attendance continues to grow at an alarming rate and C.O.P.S. is need of support for these programs more than ever..


The Growing Numbers of C.O.P.S. Hands-On Programs

Ways to Donate to C.O.P.S.

C.O.P.S. is rolling out the new “Blue Ribbon Club” program,in which you can be a member for $25/year.

Sign up online at www.nationalcops.org to receive

your C.O.P.S. decal and club coin. If you are an agency and you have 10 or more people partipate, you will automatically be a Partner in Law Enforcement.

Donate online at www.nationalcops.org or contact [email protected] for more details.

Parents Retreats 2015 192 2014 172 2013 187 2012 165 2011 198 2010 181 2009 196 2008 148

2007 173 2006 148 2005 128 2004 129 2003 129 2002 124 2001 85 2000 101

Extended Family/In-Laws Retreats 2015 30 EF 2014 22 EF 2013 17 IL 2012 19 IL 2011 16 IL2010 20 IL 2009 26 IL

2008 10 IL 2007 23 IL 2006 26 IL 2005 20 IL 2004 18 IL 2003 28 IL

Co-Worker Retreats 2015 63 2014 61 2012 53 2011 57 2010 42

Siblings Retreats 2015 157 2014 125 2013 107 2012 83 2011 80 2010 93 2009 64 2008 62

2007 63 2006 59 2005 68 2004 72 2003 42 2002 42 2001 44 2000 31

Spouses Retreats 2015 136 2014 115 2013 113 2012 109 2011 94 2010 100 2009 90 2008 85

2007 75 2006 80 2005 82 2004 85 2003 68 2002 62 2001 37 2000 37


All C.O.P.S. Chapters will hold elections in March, 2016. Please consider running for one of the elected Chapter Board positions, toss your hat into the ring for an appointed position, offer to serve on a committee or help maintain the chapter’s social media pages. There are so many different ways you can help.

In July, the National Board approved a new chapter bylaw template. This template can be found on our web page at www.nationalcops.org. Please check it out to see the duties of the chapter board members/officers. Contact your local chapter (listed in this newsletter) in order to receive the individual chapter bylaws that are to be adopted on or before December 31, 2015.

If you live in a state/territory that does not have a local C.O.P.S. Chapter, please contact the National Chapter Liaison (NCL), Janis Lampe, and/or your Regional Trustee and they will help you get a chapter started. The contact information for the NCL and Regional Trustees are also listed in this newsletter. Thank You!

We NEED YOU to Volunteer!

C.O.P.S. Chapter News

Illinois C.O.P.S. recently held their 11th Annual Cycle Across Illinois July 15-19, 2015. The chapter reached out to the riders to find out what this ride means to them. Dave Johnson participated in the ride in honor of his brother, Rock Island (IL) Police Officer Todd Johnson, EOW 10/20/1993.

“I go back to the first year of the ride. Todd was working on getting hired full time and part of his workout routine was to ride his bicycle along the Mississippi River for training. When the opportunity came to ride that first year I had inherited his bicycle and figured no problem. What I didn’t know is how difficult it is to ride a mountain bike on the highway with a group of road bikers. Chapter member Mark Hannan promised to keep an eye out for me. Before our first stop I had called my parents to have someone pick me up and get a new bicycle. My dad came and picked me up and we went to the store. Nothing was going to stop me. Getting ready to pay for the bicycle, dad stopped me and he paid for it. He hadn’t said a whole lot before that. And as promised, Mark and everyone else made sure I made it that first year.”

For so many survivors who ride each year, the ride has become a journey filled with many challenges and great support. The survivors receive great inspiration from the fellow riders, supporters and drivers that volunteer their time to honor the fallen.

Dave says “There are so many people that support C.O.P.S. that are not riding but are cheering us on in the background. I ride to remember my brother. I ride to support the other riders. I ride so others know that our officers are not forgotten. And, I’ve already started training for next year.”

Attention all C.O.P.S. Chapters! If you would like to submit an article or event update to be featured in the C.O.P.S. quarterly newsletter,

please contact Sara Slone, Director of Public Relations, by emailing [email protected].

Submission Deadlines: Winter Newsletter - January 15th Spring Newsletter - March 15th Summer Newsletter - June 15th Fall Newsletter - September 15th

Please note submissions are not guaranteed to printed and are based on space availability.


C.O.P.S. Grants $35,001.49 in Scholarships for Fall Semester

Christina Armes is a student at University of Tennessee, completing her degree of Science in Physics. Christina is the daugh-ter of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Armes, EOW 3/15/1983.

Allison Chapin is a student at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, completing her degree in General Studies. Allison is the daughter of Sergeant James Chapin, EOW 4/2/2011.

David Clayton is a student at Nashville State Community College, completing his degree in Civil Engineering. David is the son of Officer Alan Ragsdale, EOW 11/27/2000.

Allison Eales is a student at Northeastern State Univeristy, completing her degree in Health & Physical Education. Allison is the daughter of Trooper David Eales, EOW 9/24/1999.

Erin Haight is a student at University of Colorado - Denver, completing her degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. Erin is the daughter of Deputy Sheriff Timothy Mossbrucker, EOW 4/28/1995.

Juliana Holloway is a student at Alexandria Technical & Community College, completing her degree in Accounting. Juliana is the daughter of Officer Gregory Holloway, EOW 11/28/1999.

Rebecca Holloway is a student at Minnesota State University, completing her degree in Liberal Arts. Rebecca is the daughter of Officer Gregory Holloway, EOW 11/28/1999.

Roxxi Jaxx is a student at University of Tampa, completing her degree in Musical Theatre. Roxxi is the daughter of Officer Jerry Philpot, EOW 5/25/1995.

Hayly Johnson is a student at Idaho State University, completing her degree in Nursing. Hayly is the daughter of Sergeant P. Scott Johnson, EOW 5/1/2014.

Madilynn Kendricks is a student at Meredith College, completing her degree in Business and Mathematics. Madilynn is the daughter of Patrolman Rodney Kendricks, EOW 7/8/2001.

Bethany Logsdon is a student at Pensacola Christian College, completing her degree in History. Bethany is the daughter of Patrolman Chris Logsdon, EOW 10/13/1998.

Myareoh Martinez is a student at University of Texas A&M-Kingsville, completing her degree in Science and Pre- Physical Therapy. Myareoh is the daughter of Sergeant Alejandro Martinez, EOW 11/21/2014.

Alannah McMaster is a student at Mt. Hood Community College, completing her degree in General Studies. Alannah is the daughter of Reserve Officer Robert McMaster, EOW 3/9/1996.

Teron Merriweather is a student at St. Johns University. Teron is the son of Village Public Safety Officer Thomas Madole, EOW 3/19/2013.

Hope Norman is a student at Chattahoochee Technical College, completing her degree in Television Production. Hope is the daughter of Officer James Norman, EOW 2/14/2009.

Melissa Oliver is a student at Folsom Lake College, completing her degree in Criminal Justice. Melissa is the daughter of Deputy Sheriff Danny Oliver, EOW 10/24/2014.

Rachel Peete is a student at Ohio State University, completing her degree in Developmental and Family Science. Rachel is the daughter of Deputy Rupert Peete, EOW 3/8/2000.

Hayley Plank-Collins is a student at University of West Virginia, completing her degree in Dental Hygiene. Hayley is the daughter of Officer Edward Plank, EOW 10/17/1995.

Stephany Rivera-Crespo is a student at Ponce Paramedical College, completing her degree in General Studies. Stephany is the daughter of Agent Carlos Rivera-Vega, EOW 1/21/2014.

Kiarelys Rosado is a student at Edic College. Kiarelys is the daughter of Agent Benedicto Rosado Trinidad, EOW 1/23/2003.

Cheryl Schultz is a student at Concord Law School. Cheryl is the spouse of Patrolman Kevin Schultz, EOW 8/17/2002.

Taylor Selby is a student at Mississippi State University, completing her degree in Mechanical Engineering. Taylor is the daughter of Deputy George Selby, EOW 12/4/2002.

Caitlin Smith is a student at Georgia Gwinnett College, completing her degree in Criminal Justice. Caitlin is the daughter of ATSAIC Christopher Smith, EOW 12/27/2007.

Johnnie Smith is a student at Clayton State University, completing his degree in General Studies. Johnnie is the son of Deputy Marvin Scarlett, EOW 5/20/2007.

Jennifer Tanner is a student at Montana State University-Northern, completing her degree in Nursing. Jennifer is the spouse of Deputy Robert Tanner, EOW 1/8/2002.

Katherine Thacker is a student at Liberty University, completing her degree in Ministry. Katherine is the daughter of Agent Brandon Thacker, EOW 4/16/1998.

Jacob Uhl is a student at Arizona State University, completing his degree in Mechanical Engineering. Jacob is the son of Rotary Wing Pilot Matthew Uhl, EOW 9/20/2011.

Rhonda Velazquez is a student at National Louis University, completing her degree in Educational Specialist in Administration and Supervision. Rhonda is the spouse of Corporal Cesar Velazquez, EOW 5/21/2009.

Karyn Walker is a student at University of Maryland, completing her degree in Business Administration. Karyn is the daughter of Sergeant Anthony Walker, EOW 11/15/2003.

Taylor Wouters is a student at University of Dayton, completing her degree in Biology. Taylor is the daughter of Detective Christopher Wouters, EOW 10/11/2000.

Several benefactors help C.O.P.S. provide these scholarships. This semester’s funding came from ICMA-RC VantagePoint, Motorola Foundation, The College Board, The Vigilant Social Club and the Aronson Family Foundation. The scholarship fund has provided over $1.2 million in scholarships to survivors since 1993.

Recipients of C.O.P.S. scholarships for the Fall semester are:


C.O.P.S. takes pride in being a transparent organization and is proud to show our major donors why the esteemed charity evaluation site “Charity Navigator” has given C.O.P.S. the highest possible rating of four stars!

Overall Score (Out of 100): 91.62 Financial 88.85 Accountability & Transparency 96.00

Program Expenses (Percent of the charity’s total expenses spent on the programs and services it delivers) 90.3%

Administrative Expenses 6.6%Fundraising Expenses 3.0%Fundraising Efficiency $0.03Primary Revenue Growth -0.7%Program Expenses Growth 6.5%Working Capital Ratio (years) 1.96

GLOCK, Inc., donated a total of $80,000 to Concerns Of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) and the Drug Enforcement Agency Survivor Benefit Fund (DEASBF) at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conference held in Chicago on October 29, 2015.

GLOCK donated $50,000 to C.O.P.S. to assist in supporting programs. Surviving spouse and Western Region Trustee Cheryl Schultz lost her husband, Pojoaque Pueblo Tribal Police Officer Kevin Schultz, when he drowned saving a drowning boy in the Rio Grande. Cheryl and her son, Kaegan, were present during the tragedy. “C.O.P.S. reached out to us right away to connect us with their C.O.P.S. Kids program,” said Cheryl. “They helped us rebuild our lives and start healing.”

GLOCK also donated $30,000 to the DEASBF, which provides financial assistance for the families of fallen DEA Agents. Accepting the check were DEASBF Chairperson, Richard Crock, and special guests, the Loftus-Errthum family, who lost father and husband, Special Agent Terrance P. Loftus in a plane crash while on duty. “I was pregnant with our fourth child when I got the call that he had crashed,” said Debbie Loftus-Errthum. “Within 48 hours, the DEASBF was there with financial support for our family. Today, three of our children wish to grow up to work in law enforcement.”

“The fund would not exist without donors and partners like GLOCK,” said Crock. “Currently, the Benefit Fund pays line-of-duty death and continuing education benefits to the families of DEA Agents and Task Force Officers killed in the line of duty. GLOCK’s support sends the strongest message to

them and we are thankful for this commitment.”

“These organizations change lives and give hope for the future,” said Bob Radecki, National Sales Manager at GLOCK. “It means a great deal to GLOCK to provide for those left behind by their loved ones.”

About GLOCK, Inc.

GLOCK is a leading global manufacturer of firearms. The simple, safe design of GLOCK’s polymer-based pistols revolutionized the firearms industry and made GLOCK pistols a favorite among military and law en-forcement agencies worldwide and among pistol own-ers. In 2016, GLOCK celebrates its 30th Anniversary in the United States. Renowned for featuring three safeties, GLOCK pistols offer users of every lifestyle confidence they can rely on. GLOCK, Inc. is based in Smyrna, Georgia. For more information, please visit http://us.GLOCK.com/.

GLOCK Donates $80,000 to Survivor Funds at IACP 2015

Make C.O.P.S. Your Charity of Choice!

(Pictured Left to Right) Bob Radecki, GLOCK National Sales Manager, Dianne Bernhard, C.O.P.S. Executive Director, and Cheryl Schultz, C.O.P.S. Western Region Trustee.


Traumas of Law Enforcement

Glendale, Arizona(Phoenix Area)

December 7-9, 2015

Miramar Beach, Florida(Sandestin Area)

January 11-13, 2016

North Little Rock, ArkansasFebruary 1-3, 2016

Humble, Texas(Houston Area)

March 14-16, 2016

Dorchester, Massachusetts (Boston Area)

March 21-23, 2016

Clackamas, Oregon(Portland Area) April 4-6, 2016

Bettendorf, Iowa(Quad Cities Area)

April 11-13, 2016

Cincinnati, OhioApril 25-27, 2016

Some of the same issues that affect survivors come into play for officers with disabilities and those coping with trauma. Each training is presented over three days and includes 21-hours of class time.

Recognizing the importance of helping agencies provide appropriate support for survivors and injured or traumatized officers, C.O.P.S. provides this training free of charge. HOWEVER, PRE-REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY and participants are responsible for their own travel costs.

Register your agency online NOW!www.nationalcops.org/trainings

Space is limited and your participation is not guaranteed.

COPS WALK Southwest

Scottsdale, ArizonaFebruary 19– 21, 2016

New route for 2016!Join C.O.P.S. for the 5th Annual COPS WALK Southwest journey in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona! We have switched things up and walkers will enjoy a change of scenery this year as they are introduced to a new 25-mile route on the Indian Bend Walkway.

Come out and conquer this walk as an individual, or get a team together. Fundraising requirements and registration information is online at www.nationalcops.org.

Registration deadline is January 8, 2016.Fundraising deadline is February 8, 2016.


Event Recap for COPS WALK Harpers Ferry and St. Louis

It was another successful event at the 11th Annual COPS WALK Harpers Ferry held October 10-11, 2015! With a total of 51 walkers, the money raised came to a net amount of $74,970.35 and the donations continue to come in!

A big CONGRATULATIONS to Clayton French! As of the 2015 COPS WALK Harpers Ferry, Clayton has walked 325 MILES in support of survivors.

Clayton is not only an individual supporter of C.O.P.S., he is also the Director of Special Projects at Streamlight, Inc., one of C.O.P.S. leading sponsors.

Thank you for all your support, Clayton!

During National Police Week 2015, Law Enforcement United (LEU) presented C.O.P.S. with a check for $175,000 for C.O.P.S. Kids Camp. In addition to this already generous donation, LEU has also announced their committment to give $25,000 to be used for all three COPS WALK events from October 2015 to February 2016! Not to mention, several of their members dedicate their time to these walks as bicycle trail support!

Thank you to all members of Law Enforcement United for your dedication and support of survivors!

The second year for COPS WALK St. Louis brought out 13 walkers that braved the first dose of Missouri Fall weather over the weekend. Between these 13 walkers, an amazing $28,343.28 was raised for C.O.P.S. programs!


Survivors Making a Difference!

Forever 27 is a book written by surviving father, Donald Grignon, as a tribute to his son, Louis-ville (KY) Police Officer Peter Grignon, EOW 3/23/2005.

You can purchase this book now at amazon.com. The net proceeds of this book will go to The Peter Alan Grignon Memorial Scholarship Fund at Eastern Kentucky University for the school of Criminal Justice.

“I wish this book had been written years earlier so that, as Police Chief of Glendale, AZ, I could have been even greater help to my department and the survivors of the two line-of-duty deaths we experienced there.” - Chief Steve Conrad, Louisville Metro Police Department

Seattle (WA) Police Officer Timothy Brenton, 39, was shot and killed on October 31, 2009, as he was sitting in his patrol car with his partner when they were ambushed by a man named Christopher Monfort.

For the days between October 22 and November 6, Monfort had been on a rampage seemed to be fueled by nothing more then hatred of law enforcement. With charges stemming from multiple incidents and the possibility of the death penalty, Monfort’s trial was expected to be long and emotional, especially for Brenton’s family.

From late 2009 to August 2014, the trial was delayed multiple times. In January 2015, testimony finally began. For over five years, the Brenton family dealt with the unknown of justice for their fallen hero. The Washington State C.O.P.S. Chapter had been an unwavering source of support for the Brenton family, particularly with Brenton’s mother Penny. About two years into the court proceedings, Chapter member and surviving adult child, Troy Meyers, began attending hearings with Penny and when

pre-trial began, he was present at every hearing. Troy attended every day of pre-trial motions, jury selection, and eventually the trial itself. Troy also offered his time for meetings after court and when the family would meet with the prosecutor. During the most grueling part of the trial where the murder was discussed in detail, Troy took notes and offered to answer any question or provide information to the family if requested.

“Troy is deserving of recognition for his support and the tremendous sacrifice he made to support our family,” says Matt Brenton, brother of Officer Brenton. “We cannot express our gratitude enough for Troy’s support during this very difficult time. Troy interrupted his life, selflessly giving his time and energy every day to us and asked nothing in return.”

On behalf of the Brenton family and the entire C.O.P.S. membership, thank you Troy for going above and beyond for fellow survivors. You are the epitome of what C.O.P.S. promises for support at the grassroots level through local chapters.

“Earn the Shave” Raises $6,200! Oakland (CA) Police Officer Michael Stolzman could not say no when two surviving spouses suggested he play a vital role in a fundraiser for the Northern California C.O.P.S. Chapter. After 14 months of growing it out, Officer Stolzman was challenged with shaving his beard. He only had one requirement; they had to raise at least $5,000.

Within days, donations poured in. The final total raised was $6,200!

Stolzman says “For me it’s simple, the organization has allowed me to give back to those who have already lost so much. March 21, 2009, was without question our darkest day at the Oakland Police Department. I never imagined that losing four co-workers would have such an impact on so many.” Stolzman is a surviving co-worker of Oakland Police Officer John Hege, Sergeant Mark Dunakin, Sergeant Ervin Romans, and Sergeant Daniel Sakai, EOW 3/21/2009.

Major Donors

Law Enforcement United, VA $200,000.00 GLOCK, Inc., GA $50,000.00 U.S. Secret Service-ERA, PA $35,654.00 FBI National Academy 261st Session, VA $14,680.00 Shirley Richardson, MO $10,800.00 ODMP: The Officer Down Memorial Page, Inc., VA $10,000.00 Blue Knights Gwinnett XVI, GA $8,747.03 Old Kinderhook Golf Resort, MO (in-kind) $8,692.00 The End of Watch Foundation, VA $7,500.00 Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command #382, TN $6,773.14 International Union of Police Associations, FL $5,000.00 US Armor, CA $5,000.00 Ride4Cops, KS $5,000.00 Kim Knox, NY $4,355.00 Wisconsin Law Enforcement Association Local 2 $4,000.00 Madison County Sheriff’s Office, AL $3,500.00 North Carolina Public Safety Divers Association $3,500.00 Seasons of Hope Center for Grief, VA $3,207.11 Streamlight, Inc., PA $3,160.80 Sara Winfield, OH $3,100.00 Digital Federal Credit Union, MA $3,000.00 Kenney & Company, CO $2,700.00 Narcotic Officers Magazine, AZ $2,500.00 Patrick Righi Barnard Foundation, IL $2,500.00 DCU for Kids, MA $2,500.00 Sgt. Steven M. Shaw Memorial Fund, RI $2,000.00 The GAJ Memorial Foundation, MO $2,000.00 Safariland, FL (in-kind) $2,000.00 FOP Reading Lodge #9, PA $2,000.00 Maria Shaw, RI $1,714.00 CrossFit Blue Springs, MO $1,666.00 FBI National Academy Associates, VA $1,500.00 Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, AR (in-kind) $1,500.00 Camdenton Wal-Mart Supercenter, MO $1,500.00 Texas Municipal Police Association $1,400.00 Chandler Police Department, AZ $1,385.00 Dade County PBA, FL $1,250.00 John Norcross Memorial Scholarship Fund, NJ $1,210.00 Kimberly Fischer, FL $1,125.00 Leslyn Stewart, NY $1,110.00 Booster, VA $1,001.28 Bethel United Methodist Church, DE $1,000.00 Institute of Scrap Recycling Industires, Inc., DC $1,000.00 Bobby Orr, FL $1,000.00 Steven M. Shaw Memorial Fund Golf, RI $1,000.00 The Aronson Family Foundation, CT $1,000.00 Honolulu Police Department, HI $1,000.00 Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute, VA $1,000.00 Jerald Forkois, CO $1,000.00 The Colony Police Department, TX $1,000.00 FBINAA Wisconsin Chapter $1,000.00 BNSF Railway, TX $1,000.00 Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas $1,000.00 Sam Milner, TX $1,000.00

Osage Beach Wal-Mart Supercenter, MO $1,000.00 Cops Cycling for Survivors Foundation, IN $1,000.00 Julie Stecco, VA $1,000.00 Jennifer Morales, IL $1,000.00 Virginia Moceri, MI $1,000.00 California Police Chiefs Association $1,000.00 The Wawa Foundation, Inc., PA $1,000.00 Anne Wendel, VA $900.00 South Kingstown PBA, RI $850.00 Terri Harrison, GA $820.00 Bill Brown, IL $800.00 Daybreak Rotary Charity Fund, MO $700.00 Kam Flynn, VA $600.00 Jackie Merriweather, NY $580.00 Discount Smoke Shops, MO (in-kind) $550.00 Elizabeth Mattingly, MD $550.00 San Antonio Police Department, TX $550.00 Rose Sayranian, MI $530.00 Lake Printing Co., MO (in-kind) $525.00 Debbie Geary, FL $525.00 Tyler Armel, VA $515.00 FBINAA Eastern Missouri Chapter $500.00 The Net Impact, MO $500.00 Wei Tang Liu, NY $500.00 Michael Nanninga Inc., IL $500.00 U.S. Marshals Service Association, TX $500.00 The Friends of Bob Foundation, MO $500.00 Matthew Golembiewski, VA $500.00 Laurie Streicher, IL $500.00 Warren “Sneak” Lewis LE Foundation, NC $500.00 Gerald Forsythe, IL $500.00 David Watson, MN $500.00 Schwab Charitable Fund, CA $500.00 John Dykstra, MD $500.00 The Pipes and Drums of the Blue and Gold, NJ $500.00 The Backstoppers, MO $500.00 Police Officer Assistance Trust, FL $500.00 Bob Barnard, IL $500.00 Daniel Brandenstein, NY $500.00 Adler Pollock & Sheehan, P.C., RI $500.00 FOP Evesham Township Lodge #143, NJ $500.00 Spartan Race, Inc., MA $500.00 Providence Bank, MO $500.00 Kathryn Fies, WA $500.00 Johnson City Police Association, NY $500.00 Frank Guarino, NV $470.00 Danielle Murphy, AZ $450.00 Miriam Jones, CA $450.00 Justice Federal Credit Union, VA $405.50 FOP Kansas City Lodge #99, MO $400.00 Susan Myers, MO $400.00 Amanda Gresens, IL $400.00 Jacob Myers, OH $400.00 FOP Michigan State Lodge $400.00 Illinois Conservation Police Command Association $400.00 Oakland Police Officers’ Association, CA $400.00 Texas Dept. of Public Safety Officers Association Auxiliary $400.00 Rafael Sanz, KY $377.54 Joel Baumgart, WI $350.00 Amy Holcomb, MD $350.00 Terry Bishop, VA $330.00

Stanley Jerlecki, NV $325.00 Christy Cleckler, FL $320.00 Meredith Gilbert, FL $320.00 Harley-Davidson Motor Company, WI (in-kind) $310.00 Darah Fraembs, OH $305.00 Ginny Mueller, MD $300.00 Captain Clothing Company, PA $300.00 Jarrod Spiczenski, WI $300.00 Joe Blevins, MD $300.00 John Clark, FL $300.00 James Lentz, PA $300.00 BJ’s Restaurants Foundation, CA $300.00 Garris Evans Lumber Co., NC $296.00 Stacey Romanic, PA $275.00 Eric McDaniel, WA $252.00 North Shore LIJ Health System, NY $250.00 James Pavlick, MD $250.00 St. Louis Police Officers’ Association, MO $250.00 Graves and Associates, CPAs, LLC, MO $250.00 Kevin Sagehorn, MO $250.00 FOP Marion County OH Lodge #24, OH $250.00 NJ Former Troopers Heritage Foundation $250.00 Waukesha County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, WI $250.00 Troopers Memorial Fund, NY $250.00 Columbia Police Department, MO $250.00 Int’l Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 301, RI $250.00 Kai Veney, VA $250.00 A. Arundel Auto Service Center, MD $250.00

Chapter Donations

Metroplex TX C.O.P.S. $5,000.00 Metro NY C.O.P.S. $3,250.00 Illinois C.O.P.S. $3,000.00 Ohio C.O.P.S. $1,000.00 Iowa C.O.P.S. $500.00 New England C.O.P.S. $500.00 NJSP Survivors of the Triangle C.O.P.S. $500.00 Western NY C.O.P.S. $400.00

Chapter Tithes

Louisiana C.O.P.S. $9,582.63 Iowa C.O.P.S. $8,404.64 NJSP Survivors of the Triangle C.O.P.S. $4,126.68 Wisconsin C.O.P.S. $3,914.69 Metro NY C.O.P.S. $2,199.72 Kentucky C.O.P.S. $1,924.26 Northwest FL C.O.P.S. $1,009.44 Delaware C.O.P.S. $958.32 Metroplex TX C.O.P.S. $600.00 Alaska C.O.P.S. $303.46 North Carolina C.O.P.S. $265.97 Pennsylvania C.O.P.S. $199.53

Major Donors and Chapter Donations - 7/1/2015 - 10/31/2015


Concerns of Police SurvivorsP.O. Box 3199 846 Old South Highway 5Camdenton, MO 65020

Change Service Requested

Project Blue LightJoin C.O.P.S. as we promote

“Project Blue Light” and let your blue lights shine for law

enforcement during the holidays.

Remember, the color blue is also a symbol of peace. When you display your blue lights,

you’ll be sending a dual message to everyone driving by that you support

America’s peacekeepers, and that you hope the coming year will be a time of peace.

Please continue to check the C.O.P.S. online merchandise store as we will have blue light bulbs available for purchase for the holiday season.

Visit WWW.COPSSHOP.COM for these bulbs and other great gift ideas!(Limited quantities available.)

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