Program areas at Supporting Heroes
Line-of-duty death response - we provide financial, logistical, and other assistance to survivors of first responders who have died in the line of duty. We also assist agencies as they endeavor to serve the families of the fallen and support personnel within their agencies who were also affected. We assisted 224 surviving family members in some capacity and provided direct financial assistance ("grants") to 36. Expenses = 315,679 grants = 100,805
Education - present classes and conduct other initiatives to help prepare first responder leaders and support personnel to deal with a line-of-duty death and promote best practices. We also work to raise awareness among first responders about federal line-of-duty death benefits and issues related to line-of-duty death in general. There were 643 participants. Expenses = 78,645
National memorial service support -- provide financial, logistical, and emotional support to survivors of fallen first responders to attend the national memorial service when their loved one is first honored. Also provide logistical support to agencies and co-workers. We assisted 235 survivors and co-workers in various capacities and provided direct financial support to 102 immediate survivors. Expenses = 72,259 grants = 85,299
Remembrance - demonstrate to survivors of fallen first responders in a substantive way that their loved ones are remembered and honored through gifts and other remembrances at birthdays, select holidays, and related anniversaries. Checks, along with personalized letters and cards, are sent to children on birthdays and at christmas. Wreaths are sent to first-year families between thanksgiving and christmas. There were 189 recipients. Expenses = 4,917 grants = 18,000 Heroes tribute gala weekend - a weekend of honor for fallen Heroes and activities for their families to facilitate healing and the building of relationships among peers. 224 survivors participated. 552 attended. Expenses = 112,340 grants = 6,955 (note: in earlier years, the gala was referenced in our returns as "Heroes banquet.")