First Responders

A challenge coin is a unique token that symbolizes a representation of a group or organization. Challenge coins are often collected and traded in the military and first responder communities, and some are harder to come by than others. Paramedic Erik Bedwell of the Joachim-Plattin Ambulance […]

The BackStoppers is providing assistance to two police officers who have contracted COVID-19.  Both officers serve with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and have been in the ICU for more than two weeks with the illness.  Each receives assistance in the amount of $10,000 […]

Another Polive vs. Fire friendly competition took place in February which brought first responders and the community together to support one mission. Riverview Fire Protection District and the Riverview Police Department battled one another in competition for the best chili in town. Droves of people packed […]

Eight years ago, Rollin’for BackStoppers Executive Director, Lt. Cheryl E. Orange with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, saw a need in the first responder community. She had a vision of gathering minority communities, specifically African American, and spreading awareness of the BackStoppers’ mission. Lt. […]

A group of students from Culver-Stockton College were presented an opportunity to honor a fallen officer and support the mission of BackStoppers. Criminal Justice Lecturer and Reserve Deputy in Monticello, Missori Seth McBride designed a student led project to help students remember officers that made the ultimate sacrifice and […]

Officer Robert JordanSt. Louis County Police Dept.EOW 5/16/1981 Officer Robert Jordan served in the Divisions of Patrol, Operational Support and Criminal Investigation for the St. Louis Police Department. He was also a Police Recruiter and received numerous letters of commendation and appreciation from the department and the community he […]

Officer James ReifschneiderSt. Louis County Police Dept.EOW 4/30/1977 On April 30, 1977, St. Louis County Police Officer James Reifschneider was conducting a traffic stop when he was struck by a motorist and killed, leaving behind his wife, Sue Reifschneider, and their three children.  The BackStoppers immediately began assisting the Reifschneider […]

  We are providing financial assistance to Officer Gary Glasby of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department who was catastrophically injured in a vehicle accident earlier in the year, and Officer Ryan O’Connor of the Arnold MO Police Department who remains in critical condition from injuries […]

Photo courtesy of arnoldmo.org The BackStoppers has provided $5,000 in assistance to Officer Ryan O'Connor of the Arnold Police Department.  Officer Ryan O'Connor, 44, sustained life-threatening injuries while transporting a burglary suspect to the Arnold Police Department today, December 5th, 2017. Officer O'Connor is a three year […]

Today we are honored to present Officer Matt Crosby with assistance in the amount of $50,000.  Officer Crosby was shot and catastrophically injured in the line of duty while serving with the Rock Hill Police Department.  Officer Crosby has made a tremendous sacrifice for our safety. Because […]