In celebration of Women’s History Month, we want to take this opportunity to recognize some of the women who make a difference to our organization. Officer Jackie Tabers serves as Family Friend.
A BackStoppers Family Friend is a special person appointed to connect with the families we serve. Family Friends ensure each family’s needs are met and provide emotional support. We have an outstanding group of Family Friends that have stepped up and have led with love and care.
“I began my law enforcement career early in 1992. I heard about BackStoppers but knew little to nothing about what they did. Then came July 5, 2005.
Kirkwood has an officer shot and killed in the line of duty. My chief said to me “get over to their house as the liaison for the city and BackStoppers”. I replied, “What do I do”? Chief replied, “You’ll figure it out”. So, I learned along the way. Boy, did I learn.
BackStoppers was there for “my” family from the very beginning. My surviving spouse went from, ‘How I am I going to keep the house and pay the bills to “Thank God for BackStoppers”. BackStoppers stepped in and took ALL the financial worries away. BackStoppers board members embraced my family and became friends with them. BackStoppers financially took care of all three grade school kids left behind by our fallen officer. They all graduated from college and are excelling.
Then came February 7, 2008. Kirkwood loses two more officers in the line of duty and again BackStoppers is on scene immediately and taking care of two more spouses and 2 kids. It just takes your breath away. Since 2005, I have been honored to be the Family Friend for two additional families that were already being taken care of by BackStoppers.
I have grown in my role as Family Friend and would recommend officers step up for this assignment. I watch in amazement as BackStoppers steps up for fallen and injured officers. I am more amazed at how BackStoppers steps up and takes care of the family left behind by the fallen officers.
If you have the chance to attend a BackStoppers fundraiser, do it. If you can make a direct donation to BackStoppers, do it.
Please keep all the BackStoppers families in your thoughts and prayers.” – Officer Jackie Tabers
