The BackStoppers is now assisting Officer Colin Ledbetter of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department who was catastrophically injured in the line of duty; he suffered the loss of his leg in 2026 as a result of gunshot wounds sustained while engaging homicide suspects on January 26, 2022.
“We are with Officer Colin Ledbetter for the road ahead, and we consider it a privilege to assist. We will honor Officer Ledbetter and the sacrifice he made while performing his duty of serving and protecting.” – Lt. Col. Lawrence O’Toole, BackStoppers Executive Director
The BackStoppers is committed to helping families of catastrophic injured heroes as follows:
- Financial Assistance: The BackStoppers will provide financial aid of up to $150,000 directly to the family to assist with immediate and long-term needs.
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: The BackStoppers will ensure that the first responder and their family are covered with necessary medical, dental, and vision insurance as needed, providing peace of mind.
- Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses: The organization will reimburse any out-of-pocket medical expenses incurred by the family
Educational Support: The BackStoppers is also committed to covering tuition and educational costs from daycare through university for children, ensuring that their future is supported
The BackStoppers continues to stand by the families of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel who have experienced catastrophic injuries in the line of duty as needed. The BackStoppers has provided support to the following families:
- Officer Colin Ledbetter, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Dept.
- Officer Nathan Spiess, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Dept.
- Officer Travis Brown, Ferguson Police Dept.
- Officer Adam Sullentrup, Hermann Police Dept.
- Michael Pickett, Jr., Kinloch Fire Protection Dist.
- Paramedic Erik Bedwell, Joachim-Plattin Ambulance Dist.
- Officer Ryan O’Connor, Arnold Police Department
- Officer Gary Glasby, Jr., St. Louis Metropolitan Police Dept.
- Officer Craig Tudor, Hazelwood Police Dept.
- Officer Michael Flamion, Ballwin Police Dept.
- Officer Michae Vernon, Florissant Police Dept.
- Officer Mathew Crosby, Rock Hill Police Dept.
- Jon Brough, Belleville Police Dept.
- Officer Matthew Browning, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Dept.