Elizabeth Snyder and her family are starting a new chapter of life accompanied with challenges and change. Courageously she remains to shine a light and honor her husband, Officer Blake Snyder of the St. Louis County Police Department, EOW 10/06/2016. Months have passed since Blake Snyder was killed in the line of duty, but Elizabeth and her son Malachi strive to be a voice in the community, and hope for a brighter future. 
Being a mother of a young son, Elizabeth beams at her son’s growth, and shares how Malachi remembers his father, “He’s a very happy little boy and seems to mature more each day. He misses his daddy, though. We talk about Blake often and I am constantly reminding him of who his father was and what he has done for all of us. Malachi definitely remembers him but knows something ‘not right’ has happened”. Along with parenting, Elizabeth has moved to a new home with Malachi, and has also gained a new family member, Hank. 
“Hank, the new puppy, is awesome,” Elizabeth gushes. “He’s a wonderful puppy and oh so good with Chi. He loves him and is constantly playing him with. He’s growing so fast, and has almost tripled in size since coming home with us”. Relocating to a new place, Elizabeth explains how the transition has helped her family, “We love our new home! We are very pleased and ever grateful for the relocation and the house. Living near my brother and Malachi’s cousins has been very good for the both of us. It has been so important for us to be near family in the last seven months”.
Many experiences and opportunities have presented themselves to Elizabeth. Perhaps one of the greatest experiences was a visit to Washington D.C. in February to hear the President speak. Elizabeth was accompanied by her brother, Officer Justin Sparks with the St. Louis County Police Department. “Our trip to Washington D.C. was, in a word, surreal. It was something out of the movies. We were honored and excited to be guests of Rodney Davis and Ann Wagner. While there, we were able to visit the White House as well as meet Vice President Pence. He was a very genuine and heartwarming man. I could tell that he truly cared about what happened to Blake and seems to want to make a true difference in our nation. I was in awe watching President Trump give his address. I felt humbled to be in a place where so much history was contained. President Trump’s speech was thrilling and offered a gesture of hope for our first responders. I am truly grateful to have had such an experience”.
Making a change and shining a light on law enforcement has been in sight for Elizabeth, and she is determined to continue to have her voice and story heard. “I will continue to advocate for law enforcement and for all of our first responders, in any way that I can. I will use what resources I have to help those who do not have a voice”. When asked about any future endeavors Elizabeth continues, “I also plan to write a book detailing my journey. I hope that what I write can be a beacon to others in my own or a similar situation, while also shedding light on the plights that our officers face each day”. 
Through the pain and trials of this new life, Elizabeth professes to always have hope and faith. “There is always hope. There is always another day, and there is always someone out there who cares. Whether you are going through depression, a divorce, financial issues, or even a death – there is ALWAYS hope. I’ve lost my best friend, my husband. I’ve been persecuted, called names and have been told what to do. But I have held onto my faith, my God, our son, and my family. They are my hope”.
The community has embraced Elizabeth and her family in an incredible way by showing support and love. The overwhelming response has left the Snyders in a state of gratitude. “To our community – thank you. Our world was tossed upside down in an instant, and our community was there every step of the way. We are so thankful to have such amazing citizens supporting us and supporting our law enforcement. I will forever love my St. Louis community. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
The BackStoppers helps many families who like, Elizabeth and Malachi, have been affected by tragedy. By providing a way to a new beginning, and remembering the ultimate sacrifice of the hero that they have lost. Speaking of The BackStoppers, Elizabeth says, “BackStoppers is an absolutely amazing organization. They are truly guardian angels. What they do for families of the fallen is beyond wonderful and I hope the community knows that. Each individual from The BackStoppers has a heart of gold, and we couldn’t be more thankful for them”.