Behind the Badge Foundation Launches 20th Anniversary Campaign for Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial

The Behind the Badge Foundation has initiated a comprehensive yearlong campaign celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial, a landmark tribute to Washington's fallen officers. The 'WSLEM20: Two Decades. One Promise.' campaign, running from June 2025 through May 2026, marks two decades since the Memorial's dedication on the Capitol Campus in Olympia, serving as a testament to the enduring commitment to honor those who sacrificed their lives in service to their communities.

Since its establishment, the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial has stood as Washington's most solemn tribute to fallen officers, honoring 346 law enforcement personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Memorial has evolved into a sacred space for remembrance, providing comfort and reflection opportunities for families, fellow officers, and citizens seeking to pay respects to those who gave their lives protecting others. Brian Johnston, Executive Director of Behind the Badge Foundation, emphasized the Memorial's profound significance, stating that it represents sacred ground not only for law enforcement families but for every Washingtonian who understands the true cost of public safety.

The anniversary campaign focuses specifically on preserving the Memorial's historical significance and community impact through multiple engagement strategies. The WSLEM20 initiative will feature previously untold stories from the Memorial's history, rare archival materials, and personal accounts from the families, colleagues, and community members whose lives have been touched by the Memorial over the past twenty years. Johnston clarified that the campaign extends beyond mere historical reflection, serving instead as an active remembrance of why the Memorial matters and honoring the sacrifice represented by every name etched in stone.

Public participation forms a crucial component of the anniversary celebration, with the Foundation actively inviting Washington residents to share their personal connections to the Memorial. The organization is soliciting various forms of community engagement, including personal photographs taken at the Memorial site, short video testimonials or reflections, written memories or stories about visits to the Memorial, and accounts of how the Memorial has impacted individuals or families. Selected submissions will be featured throughout the campaign across the Foundation's communication channels, creating a living tribute that demonstrates the Memorial's ongoing impact on the community. Campaign information and detailed submission guidelines are available at https://behindthebadgefoundation.org/wslem20.

The Behind the Badge Foundation, which oversees and maintains the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial, continues its essential mission of providing compassion and practical assistance to survivors, agencies, families, and communities following law enforcement line-of-duty deaths or injuries. Additional information about the Foundation's comprehensive work and ongoing initiatives can be found at https://behindthebadgefoundation.org. The anniversary campaign represents a significant milestone in the Foundation's ongoing commitment to honoring law enforcement sacrifices while strengthening community connections through shared remembrance and historical preservation.