Today is the nine-year anniversary of the death of Sgt. Jeffry Kowalski of St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, EOW 10/01/08. His daughter, Madison, shares her father’s legacy and how she finds strength after the unimaginable. 
“It’s going on 10 years now. A decade. Think of all the milestones and memories you gather during 10 years. You graduate high school, then college, start your adult job, have your own place, meet the man you love and start your life. 10 years of moments filled without the person you love most and who created you– the person who made the absolute best of you, the one who never doubted if you had fallen but instead gave you the strength to get back up, the person you loved more than yourself. My father, Sgt. Jeffry Kowalski (SLMPD) died almost 10 years ago, but it still feels like he was here yesterday. 
I think the biggest reason this void in my life hasn’t been as difficult as others is solely because of the support given through The BackStoppers. They have given me the unwavering support and love I know my father would have given. They displayed loyalty and faith in not only our family but the future success that they knew we could achieve. The BackStoppers supported us and opened their arms before anyone else with no questions asked.
They knew my father’s case was special but realized he died over and over again for the people of Saint Louis when he could have easily walked away. Much like The BackStoppers, my father continued to do what was right with just knowing that the greater good was at stake. The BackStoppers gave us hope for the future and humanity through their numerous acts of kindness. Due to this, I often find myself overwhelmed with gratitude and the sense of wanting to give back to each and every person who donated to this elite organization. Each one of you is the reason I am still standing today, and I can’t thank you enough for supporting not just my family but every surviving family that The BackStoppers supports. Thank you, a million times, over. -With the most humility -Madison A Kowalski” 
The BackStoppers currently assists 82 families with 66 dependent children and has supported 161 families since 1959. Our assistance is immediate and ongoing. The BackStoppers’ mission is to financially assist the families of first responders who die in the line of duty by paying off all debt, assuming financial obligations such as mortgage payments, taxes, providing health and dental insurance, and helping with the costs of elementary, secondary, and college/vocational education. Memberships fund our ongoing assistance and provide you with an easy way to support and grow The BackStoppers. To learn more about becoming a BackStopper please visit https://backstoppers.org/membership/