The Behind the Badge Foundation has initiated a yearlong campaign to mark the 20th anniversary of the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial, a solemn tribute to fallen officers in Washington state. The 'WSLEM20: Two Decades. One Promise.' campaign, running from June 2025 through May 2026, commemorates the Memorial's dedication on the Capitol Campus in Olympia and its role in honoring 346 law enforcement personnel who have died in the line of duty. This initiative matters because it reinforces the Memorial's function as a permanent site for remembrance and reflection on the sacrifices required for public safety, ensuring these stories remain relevant to current and future generations.
Brian Johnston, Executive Director of Behind the Badge Foundation, highlighted the Memorial's profound significance, describing it as sacred ground for both law enforcement families and all Washingtonians who recognize the costs associated with maintaining public order. The campaign aims to preserve the Memorial's historical importance by sharing previously untold stories, rare archival materials, and personal accounts from families, colleagues, and community members affected by the Memorial over the past twenty years. This effort is crucial as it transitions the Memorial from a static monument into a dynamic narrative that educates the public about the human toll of law enforcement work and fosters a deeper communal understanding of service and loss.
A central aspect of the anniversary involves public participation, inviting Washington residents to contribute personal photographs, video testimonials, written memories, or stories about their experiences at the Memorial. Selected submissions will be featured across the Foundation's communication channels, creating a living tribute that amplifies the Memorial's impact. This community engagement component is important because it democratizes the act of remembrance, allowing citizens to actively participate in honoring fallen officers and strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the communities they serve. For details on participation, campaign information and submission guidelines are available at https://behindthebadgefoundation.org/wslem20.
The Behind the Badge Foundation, which oversees the Memorial, continues its mission of providing support to survivors, agencies, and families following line-of-duty deaths or injuries. The WSLEM20 campaign underscores the Foundation's ongoing commitment to compassion and practical assistance, emphasizing that the Memorial is not merely a historical artifact but a living symbol of resilience and community solidarity. By focusing on the stories behind the 346 names etched in stone, the campaign highlights the enduring implications of each loss for families and society, reminding the public that the promise to remember and support those affected by such tragedies remains a collective responsibility. Additional information about the Foundation's broader work can be found at https://behindthebadgefoundation.org.
