Announcement

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Woodland, widow of fallen hero Firefighter Oliver Woodland, Sr.   Liz was a beloved member of the BackStoppers family for 51 years and was 91 years old. On July 2, 1973, Liz’s husband, […]

We are now assisting the family of Capt. James Cova who died in the line of duty on July 9, 2024. Capt. Cova was found unresponsive at the Affton Fire Protection District after responding to multiple calls. Capt. James Cova was 54 years old and had […]

The BackStoppers is excited to announce the appointment of Lawrence (Larry) O’Toole as the organization’s new Executive Director. His appointment comes as Chief Ron Battelle prepares to retire at the end of this year after a distinguished tenure leading the organization.  Former Chief O’Toole was selected […]

The BackStoppers is now assisting Officer Travis Brown of the Ferguson Police Department who was catastrophically injured when he was knocked to the ground during a protest early Saturday morning on August 10, 2024. We are fervently praying for Officer Brown and hoping for a full […]

After two decades of unwavering dedication as the Executive Director of The BackStoppers, Chief Ron Battelle has announced his retirement, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and support for the families of first responders who have made the ultimate sacrifice or suffered catastrophic injuries in […]

We are now assisting the family of Functional Unit Manager Jason Pulliam who died in the line of duty on October 15, 2021 after battling COVID-19. Functional Unit Manager Pulliam was 49 years old and had served with the Missouri Department of Corrections for 27 years. […]

We are excited to announce that BackStoppers has been chosen as a beneficiary for the 2024 St. Charles County Mayors' Charity Ball! The 2024 St. Charles County Mayors' Charity Ball, Boots & Bling, will be held on March 16, 2024 at the St. Charles Convention Center.  You […]

You can now download the BackStoppers app on your Iphone or Android device! Users will be able to access and receive push notifications for BackStoppers announcements and stay up to date with upcoming events, news and giving options. You can download the BackStoppers app on […]

We are now assisting the family of Firefighter Lloyd Ruediger who passed away at home on June 26, 2023 after he responded to a residential structural fire the previous evening. Firefighter Ruediger was 84 years old and had served 59 years with the New Haven-Berger Fire […]

We are now assisting the family of Hermann Police Department Det. Sgt. Mason Griffith who was shot and succumbed to injuries sustained on March 12, 2023. Det. Sgt. Griffith was 34 years old.  He leaves behind his loving family.  We are providing $10,000 in assistance to the […]