Jeff Humphrey, Media Content Coordinator, 509.625.6308
Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at 10:18 a.m.
Spokane police officers are paying their respects to the lives lost September 11, 2001 with a special commemorative badge.
“An officer approached us about doing a commemorative badge to remember 9-11. We ran the idea through the Police Guild and it was approved by the chief of police that we could make these commemorative badges,” explained officer John O’Brien.
“So the officers had the option of buying a commemorative badge and a portion of that money was earmarked to be donated to the Behind the Badge Foundation,” added O’Brien.
Officers used their own money to place orders for 116 of the badges with the words “Never Forget” along with depictions of the Twin Towers. The custom made badges include the officer’s unique badge number.
“The officers have raised money through the purchase of these badges and we donated $2,320 to the Behind the Badge Foundation,” said O’Brien.
Officers handed over their donation check to Gayle Frink-Schulz of the Behind the Badge Foundation Tuesday morning. “Our mission really is taking care of law enforcement families and the officers. So, line of duty death is paramount, it’s high on the list. We’ve had a line of duty death response team since 1998,” said Frink-Schulz.
Four hundred of the people killed on 9-11 were first responders like police officers and firefighters. The memory of their sacrifice will live on in these new SPD commemorative badges.
“The Chief has authorized us to wear these badges through the month of September and we will be wearing them every September in the following years. So if you happen to see an officer on the street and want a closer look, please stop and have a conversation with us and we’d be happy to show you our commemorative badges,” O’Brien offered.
