Get Behind The Badge - Mission

Get Behind The Badge was established in 2001 after the tragic line of duty death of Whitehall Officer Terry McDowell. During the violent attack of Officer McDowell, his partner Eric Brill was also shot and subsequently lost his eye. Officer Brill was unable to return to work as a law enforcement officer. Several weeks later on 9/11, New York City was attacked and dealt a very tragic loss of many lives including those of the first responders (police and fire personnel). These incidents and the line of duty deaths of Columbus Police LT. Christopher Claypool and critical injuries of several other Central Ohio officers raised the idea that we needed a charity to raise funds for the families of these fallen and injured heroes.

Our Founder and Surviving Spouse, Angela McDowell sought to build something so that no other widow and their families would have to endure the financial hardships she encountered during Terry’s death. Thus, Get Behind The Badge was established. During the tragic incident of Officer McDowell, the crucial response from Whitehall Fire Department was one of the factors in the survival of Officer Brill. Their heroic efforts to remove Officer Brill from a hostile environment were instrumental in saving his life. With the teamwork of both safety services it was recognized that Get Behind The Badge needed to include Fire personnel within their realm of responsibility.

Since 2001, we have held many annual charity fundraisers to assist us with our mission of providing immediate financial assistance to the families of those law enforcement/fire fighter personnel that have been killed and/or critically wounded in the line of duty. Along with the help of the community and other businesses that sponsor these events, we are able to reach out to those families to provide support financially and emotionally.

The difference with our organization compared to others is that our Executive and Trustee Boards are not compensated for what we do. We do what we do based upon our hearts and the responsibilities we have to care for our own. Our Board members understand first hand the tragedies of first responders and the results of line of duty incidents.

Mission & Goals

GBTB is dedicated to providing immediate financial assistance to the families of law enforcement/fire personnel that have been fatally wounded in the line of duty. GBTB also provides financial assistance to law enforcement/fire personnel critically injured in the line of duty through our "Hometown Fundraisers".

Promote and build stronger relationships with the community and their respective public safety personnel.

GBTB was established as a collective effort to unite the public safety fields. It is our sincere hope that together we can reach our goal of “Helping Those Who Help Others.”

As for now, Get Behind The Badge is only able to support the departments in Central Ohio (which includes Franklin, Delaware, Union, Fairfield, Licking, Pickaway and Madison Counties) with our $5000 death benefit.. One of our many goals is to one day encompass all of Ohio. Should any law enforcement officer or fire fighter need assistance within the State of Ohio, please contact our Executive Director Spencer Salyers at 614.212.7526 or by e-mail at ssalyers@getbehindthebadge.org.

If you are outside of our charter area and would like assistance with a fundraiser, please contact our Vice President Brian Toth at btoth@getbehindthebadge.org.