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 * About Us
   * Contact
   * National Board
   * National Staff
   * Financial
   * Bylaws and SOPs
   * C.O.P.S. Media
   * Other Resources
 * For Survivors
   * Chapters
   * National Police Week
   * Surviving to Thriving Conference
   * Hands-On Programs
   * Digital Materials
   * Peer Support
   * Counseling Program
   * Scholarship Program
   * Survivor Benefits
 * For Law Enforcement
   * Digital Materials
     * Line-of-Duty Response Resources
     * Survivor Benefits
   * Hands-On Programs
   * National Police Week
   * National Conference on Law Enforcement Wellness & Trauma
   * Traumas of Law Enforcement Trainings
 * Special Events
   * L.E.A.D.
   * Blue Blood Drive
   * COPS Walk Harpers Ferry
   * COPS Walk Southwest
   * COPS Twisted Golf Classic
   * Lucky Ladder Drop
   * National Golf Tournament
 * Show Support
   * Garden of Hope Pavers
   * Holiday Ornament
   * Project Blue Light
   * Fundraising
   * Partners
   * Brands that Give Back
   * Planned Giving
   * Donors
 * COPS Shop

Donate to National C.O.P.S.
573-346-4911




Donate Now to National C.O.P.S.
 * About Us
   * Contact
   * National Board
   * National Staff
   * Financial
   * Bylaws and SOPs
   * C.O.P.S. Media
   * Other Resources
 * For Survivors
   * Chapters
   * National Police Week
   * Surviving to Thriving Conference
   * Hands-On Programs
   * Digital Materials
   * Peer Support
   * Counseling Program
   * Scholarship Program
   * Survivor Benefits
 * For Law Enforcement
   * Digital Materials
     * Line-of-Duty Response Resources
     * Survivor Benefits
   * Hands-On Programs
   * National Police Week
   * National Conference on Law Enforcement Wellness & Trauma
   * Traumas of Law Enforcement Trainings
 * Special Events
   * L.E.A.D.
   * Blue Blood Drive
   * COPS Walk Harpers Ferry
   * COPS Walk Southwest
   * COPS Twisted Golf Classic
   * Lucky Ladder Drop
   * National Golf Tournament
 * Show Support
   * Garden of Hope Pavers
   * Holiday Ornament
   * Project Blue Light
   * Fundraising
   * Partners
   * Brands that Give Back
   * Planned Giving
   * Donors
 * COPS Shop

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Rebuilding Shattered Lives

National Police Week 2023 Hands-On Programs Traumas of Law Enforcement Trainings


REBUILDING SHATTERED LIVES


NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

Each year, thousands of law enforcement survivors, officers, and supporters
gather in Washington D.C. on may 11th through may 17th to honor and remember
officers who die in the line of duty.

Learn More and Register Now


HANDS-ON PROGRAMS

C.O.P.S. knows that in the wake of a line-of-duty death, many lives are
affected. There is an inherent need for a safe space to grieve and to process
the feelings and memories surrounding that loved one. Our programs are designed
to allow participants to do just that. With Hands-On Programs, C.O.P.S. provides
retreats specifically formatted to support the survivors as they learn to cope. 

Learn More & Register!


TRAUMAS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAININGS

Each year, Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) provides training to
America’s law enforcement agencies on

how to appropriately respond to officers and their families affected by
line-of-duty traumas through the

“Traumas of Law Enforcement” trainings. At these trainings, instructors will
present information that is

important to America’s law enforcement agencies regarding appropriate response
to line-of-duty death,

disability, critical incidents, and police suicide.

Learn More


2024 NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON LAW ENFORCEMENT WELLNESS & TRAUMA

The National Conference on Law Enforcement Wellness & Trauma provides a
much-needed focus on trauma and wellness by proactively addressing the
cumulative stressors that can occur throughout a police officer’s career. We
hope you will consider becoming a part of this unparalleled experience!

Learn More!

Donate to National C.O.P.S.

I AM A SURVIVOR

and I would like to receive more information from C.O.P.S.

Survivors include spouses, kids, adult children, parents, siblings, fiancés,
significant others, extended family (aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins,
grandchildren, grandparents, and in-laws), co-workers, and suicide survivors (as
determined by the Public Safety Officer Support Act of 2022).

C.O.P.S. serves survivors of officers whose death has been determined as
line-of-duty by PSOB, FBI, FOP, or NLEOMF or those in the process of applying
for benefits through the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program.

Individual Survivor Contact Form

Surviving Family Contact Form

Co-Worker Contact Form


WAYS TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT


EMAIL LIST SIGN UP

Keep up to date with our events and special newsletters.

Sign Up →


MAKE A DONATION


Choose from various methods that show your support. 

Get more details →


EXPLORE COPSSHOP

Explore various C.O.P.S. merchandise tailored to preserve the memories of our
retreats and officers. 

Go to COPSSHOP.org →
Charity Navigator Rating →


LATEST NEWS



GETTING INVOLVED

By blake_haynes • 05 Apr, 2024
For Lucia Canales and her family, jumping into C.O.P.S. and feeling the love and
support the organization brings didn’t take long following the death of her
brother, Houston (TX) Police Officer Henry Canales, EOW 6/23/2009. "Our
department is amazing. Directly after the death of my brother, they took and
provided a bunch of our information to C.O.P.S. We attended events and saw the
support that the organization gives to survivors," Lucia said. "I knew
immediately that I wanted to find out more about the organization, and I wanted
to get involved." Getting involved is exactly what Lucia has done since 2010.
From holding positions within her Chapter Board, to attending/assisting with
chapter events, she also makes sure to attend Siblings Retreat as often as she
possibly can. Support is what this organization is built on, and it is something
that Lucia's family have experienced firsthand and want to relay to other
survivors. “I jumped in directly after figuring out what C.O.P.S. was all
about," Lucia said. "It all went so quickly that I even got voted into the
Chapter’s vacant Secretary position after speaking with the Chapter President
while attending my first Siblings Retreat.” As Lucia continues to provide
outreach and support, she is also looking into ways that she can get younger
survivors involved. “I want younger survivors to be involved with our chapter,"
Lucia said. "As we progress, they are going to be the future of facilitating our
chapter and the support we provide our survivors.” As far as what the future
holds for Lucia, she wants to continue to be involved both locally through her
chapter and nationally by attending events and providing peer support. She
recognizes that her healing process has developed into assisting others. She
sees that survivors are in similar shoes that she wore 5 – 8 – 10 years ago, and
helping them progress along their journey with grief allows her to do the same
on her path. “I am coming up on 15 years," Lucia said. "I recognize that I get a
lot of satisfaction from helping people. It has become my calling.” Lucia
Canales Surviving Sibling of Officer Henry Canales Houston (TX) Police
Department EOW 08/01/2011 #SURVIVORSTORIES



TAMI'S JAMMIES

By blake_haynes • 05 Mar, 2024
When my brother, Rich, was violently murdered in the line of duty, my entire
life came to a standstill. At the time, my mom had just been declared
cancer-free after a fight with breast cancer that both Rich and I helped her
through. This is a story of how sewing and a group of people helped me move
through grief and find a level of calmness that has sustained to this day. I
took a leave of absence from my job as a high school vice principal, which
ultimately turned into early retirement. My days consisted of dragging myself
out of bed to get the kids to school, and then spending all day in bed until
they came home. I wore only pajamas. I started to volunteer for my local
C.O.P.S. chapter. That educator/nurturer piece of me started to surface again.
Over the next few years, I started sewing during the day while the kids were at
school after my mom suggested I do something creative with my time and use the
sewing machine she gave me. Pajamas are easy to make and I started giving them
out to friends. As an added bonus, they were a cheap way to stay dressed as I
slowly gained what I like to call “Grief Weight.” I just smiled and nodded as
people started to equate pajama pants with me. Little did they know that not
only could I not bring myself to buy larger clothes, I could not afford them and
pajamas are comfortable. My emotional trauma was shocked again when my mom died
unexpectedly. Six months after her death I was making pajama pants every day
just to always feel her with me. I came up with the name “Tami’s Jammies” and it
just felt right. For National Police Week 2018, a good friend made blue line
sling backpacks with Rich’s badge number, 33, on them. We got tons of comments
and inquiries as to where to get them. The Blue Line Bag business began. Here I
am today spending four to five hours a day sewing, enjoying the peace of it.
When I get a Blue Line Bag order, I take the time to look up the officer and
think about the family. I feel a great sense of pride when I send a finished bag
off to a survivor. My emotional well-being is recharged each year at the
Siblings Retreat. There is something so valuable about spending time with people
who know exactly what I am going through. I saw my mom start to smile again
after she attended the Parent’s Retreat. There is a group of moms that truly
helped her move forward in a positive direction. I can never thank the C.O.P.S.
organization enough for what it has done for me and my family. I am donating $5
for every bag sold to C.O.P.S. to help them further their mission of Rebuilding
Shattered Lives. In my own small way, maybe I can help pay for other families to
have the same support I have had. To check out Tami’s Jammies, visit
www.tamisjammies.com Tami McMillan Surviving Sibling of Officer Rich May EOW
1/7/2006 #SurvivorStories



COMING TOGETHER

By Concerns of Police Survivors • 12 Oct, 2023
On July 21, 2009, Jersey City (NJ) Police Detective Marc Anthony DiNardo was
shot while pursuing two murder suspects. After transport to a nearby hospital,
Detective DiNardo succumbed to his wounds. He left behind his wife, Mary, and
three children; Gwendolyn, Marc Anthony II, and Ella, all of whom were under the
age of five. “In the early days, I just wanted to make sure my kids were okay,”
Mary said. “We connected with the Garden State C.O.P.S. Chapter to be taken to
the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Wall in April so we could see
Marc’s name engraved.” It was during this trip that Mary found that everyone on
that bus understood what her family was feeling. Mary added, “We needed C.O.P.S.
because they get it.” A month later, the DiNardo family attended National Police
Week with the Garden State C.O.P.S. Chapter assisting them every step of the
way. “I remember going into orientation and having a mother grab me and hug me,
because she knew it was exactly what I needed,” Mary said. In the years that
have followed, the DiNardo family have attended Spouses Retreat, Kids Camp, and
Young Adults Camp. Now 14 years later, they have made friendships that will last
a lifetime. “I still have days where it hits me that my dad isn’t going to be
there for important things,” Gwendolyn said, “I get through these feelings by
knowing that I am not alone and that I can always reach out to my friends I have
met through C.O.P.S. that will support me.” Having grown up with C.O.P.S., the
DiNardo children discussed the possibility of going back to Kids Camp as
mentors. For Mary, the idea of running for a position on the National Board is
not out of the question, now that her children are older and she can give more
of her time. The reason is simple and Mary said it best, “C.O.P.S. is
life-changing.” Mary, Gwendolyn, Marc Anthon II and Ella DiNardo Surviving
Family Members of Detective Marc Anthony DiNardo Jersey City (NJ) Police
Department EOW 7/21/2009 #SurvivorStories



THEY GET IT

By blake_haynes • 29 Sep, 2023
Matt Bloesch was a typical 13-year-old trying to find his place in the world.
His dad was his best friend who he respected and looked to for guidance. Matt’s
world was completely shattered on August 2, 1988, when his dad, San Francisco
(CA) Police Officer James Bloesch, was accidentally shot and killed while on
duty. Through the rest of his teen years and into adulthood, Matt became
fiercely independent and distracted himself with sports, partying, and
eventually his career. “I was good at things like work because there was an
instruction manual. But I never learned how to be a good dad, husband, or friend
because I never learned how to deal with my emotions,” said Matt. Matt’s world
started to collapse around him and he knew he needed help. Matt said, “I was
trapped for a long time because I thought I was the only one suffering and
feeling the way I felt. When other people opened up to me about what they were
going through, I no longer felt alone, and I felt safe talking about all of the
dark....



THEY CONVINCED ME

By Concerns of Police Survivors • 07 Sep, 2023
Following the death of her brother, Iowa State Trooper Mark Toney, EOW
9/20/2011, Debbie Wiseman was looking for someone to understand what she was
going through. It didn’t take long before she was put in contact with the
Illinois C.O.P.S. Chapter and other surviving siblings who had walked in her
shoes. “They convinced me to attend my first “Sibs” Retreat in 2012,” Debbie
said. “I made sure to drive myself, in case it was just crying for three
straight days. I was done with the crying and hoping to be away from it. I came
in and met some truly amazing people, and I have been back about every year
since.” Since attending that first Siblings Retreat, Debbie has devoted herself
to not just taking care of her own grief needs, but to assisting other survivors
with theirs. She recognizes that everybody needs a listening ear of someone who
has lived through the experience and can truly relate. “I had people there for
me who understood,” Debbie said. “I want to make sure that I am there for others
and their families, to make sure they have someone helping them like we did.”
The Illinois C.O.P.S. Chapter won the Chapter of the Year Award during National
Police Week 2022. Their service to Illinois survivors is incredible, and Debbie
is a big part of that. She currently serves as Vice President of the Chapter
Board, as well as the Family Liaison where she is one of the first to connect
with surviving families after a line-of-duty death. “If I can help a survivor in
any way, I will,” Debbie said. “Assisting others helps me remember my brother.
In many ways, his death has made me a better person; it has pushed me out of my
comfort zone and allows me to build connections that I would have otherwise
never made.” Debbie Wiseman Surviving Sibling of Trooper Mark Toney Iowa State
Patrol EOW 9/20/2011 #SurvivorStories 



THEY GET IT

By Concerns of Police Survivors • 30 Aug, 2023
On July 21, 2009, Jersey City (NJ) Police Detective Marc Anthony DiNardo was
shot while pursuing two murder suspects. After transport to a nearby hospital,
Detective DiNardo succumbed to his wounds. He left behind his wife, Mary, and
three children; Gwendolyn, Marc Anthony II, and Ella, all of whom were under the
age of five. “In the early days, I just wanted to make sure my kids were okay,”
Mary said. “We connected with the Garden State C.O.P.S. Chapter to be taken to
the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Wall in April so we could see
Marc’s name engraved.” It was during this trip that Mary found that everyone on
that bus understood what her family was feeling. Mary added, “We needed C.O.P.S.
because they get it.” A month later, the DiNardo family attended National Police
Week with the Garden State C.O.P.S. Chapter assisting them every step of the
way. “I remember going into orientation and having a mother grab me and hug me,
because she knew it was exactly what I needed,” Mary said....

Show More

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 * IT WAS THE FIRST PLACE WHERE SOMEONE TRULY UNDERSTOOD MY PAIN WITHOUT ME
   SAYING A WORD. IT WAS AN ATMOSPHERE WHERE I COULD CRY AND LAUGH ALL IN THE
   SAME PLACE AND EVERYONE UNDERSTOOD AND NO ONE JUDGED THE WAY I WAS GRIEVING.
   IT WAS THE PLACE WHERE I FIRST FOUND HOPE. THANK YOU C.O.P.S.!!!
   
   -Sharon Story
   
   Button


 * IT'S MORE THAN JUST "ANOTHER MEMORIAL." IT'S THE START OF HEALING AND THE
   HUGS AND THE SUPPORT YOU RECEIVE FROM THE MOMENT YOU STEP OFF THE PLANE ARE
   WORTH THE MILES AND TEARS IT TAKES TO GET THERE. NO ONE LOOKS AT YOU OUT OF
   PITY WHEN YOU CRY, OR LOOKS AT YOU LIKE YOU'RE CRAZY WHEN YOU LAUGH. IT'S ALL
   ACCEPTED AS NORMAL, AND WHEN YOU ARE ACCEPTED, HEALING BEGINS.
   
   -Stephanie Sprague
   
   Button


 * "C.O.P.S. IS ABOUT BRINGING HOPE, COMPASSION, NON-JUDGEMENT AND UNDERSTANDING
   INTO OUR LIVES SO THAT HAPPINESS, CAN FILL THAT. I SERVE ON THE NATIONAL
   BOARD TO HELP CONTINUE BRINGING THOSE THINGS TO OTHER SURVIVORS."
   
   - Dana Evans
   
   Button


SPONSORS

Thank you to our sponsors for helping us continue our mission of rebuilding
shattered lives.


Previous
Law Enforcement United has donated more than $4,087,000
Glock has donated more than $770,000.
Point 27 has donated more than $1,450,000.
FBINA has donated more than $805,000.
The McDavid Group Charities has donated more than $755,000.
Streamlight has donated more than $2,073,000.
USSS-ERA has donated more than $805,000.
Ride4COPS has donated more than $643,000.
Off-Road United has donated over $582,000.
Apex Tactical has donated more than $285,000.
JUSTIS has donated more than $3,168,000.
Blue Knights COPSRUN has donated more than $455,000.
JFCU has donated more than $322,000.
Southeast Police Motorcycle Rodeo has donated more than $749,000.
Motorola Solutions Foundation has donated more than $1,080,000.
Law Enforcement United has donated more than $4,087,000
Glock has donated more than $770,000.
Point 27 has donated more than $1,450,000.
FBINA has donated more than $805,000.
The McDavid Group Charities has donated more than $755,000.
Streamlight has donated more than $2,073,000.
USSS-ERA has donated more than $805,000.
Ride4COPS has donated more than $643,000.
Off-Road United has donated over $582,000.
Apex Tactical has donated more than $285,000.
JUSTIS has donated more than $3,168,000.
Blue Knights COPSRUN has donated more than $455,000.
JFCU has donated more than $322,000.
Southeast Police Motorcycle Rodeo has donated more than $749,000.
Motorola Solutions Foundation has donated more than $1,080,000.
Law Enforcement United has donated more than $4,087,000
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C.O.P.S. IS A 501(C)(3) NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION. C.O.P.S. PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
ARE FUNDED BY GRANTS AND DONATIONS.

YOU CAN VIEW OUR PRIVACY POLICY BY CLICKING HERE.

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Copyright 2024
Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc.






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