Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial Marks 20th Anniversary with Yearlong Commemoration

The Behind the Badge Foundation has initiated a comprehensive yearlong campaign commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial, marking two decades since the memorial's dedication on the Capitol Campus in Olympia. The 'WSLEM20: Two Decades. One Promise.' campaign, which launched in June 2025 and continues through May 2026, represents a significant milestone for law enforcement recognition in Washington state.

Since its establishment, the memorial has served as Washington's primary tribute to fallen officers, honoring 346 law enforcement personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities. The memorial has evolved into a sacred space for remembrance, attracting families, fellow officers, and citizens seeking to pay respects to those who lost their lives protecting others. Brian Johnston, Executive Director of Behind the Badge Foundation, emphasized the memorial's broader significance, stating that it represents sacred ground not only for law enforcement families but for all Washingtonians who understand the true cost of public safety.

The anniversary campaign focuses on preserving and sharing the memorial's historical significance through previously untold stories, rare archival materials, and personal accounts from individuals whose lives have been touched by the memorial over the past twenty years. As part of this effort, the Foundation is actively inviting Washington residents to contribute to the memorial's living history by submitting personal photographs taken at the site, video testimonials, written memories, and accounts of how the memorial has impacted individuals or families. Selected submissions will be featured throughout the campaign across the Foundation's communication channels, creating a collective tribute to the memorial's enduring community impact.

Community members interested in participating in the commemorative efforts can visit https://behindthebadgefoundation.org/wslem20 to submit materials and learn more about the campaign's objectives. The Behind the Badge Foundation, which oversees and maintains the memorial, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing compassion and practical assistance to survivors, agencies, families, and communities following law enforcement line-of-duty deaths or injuries. The organization's broader mission includes supporting those affected by law enforcement tragedies while preserving the memory of officers who have died in service to Washington state.

The 20th anniversary commemoration underscores the ongoing importance of recognizing law enforcement sacrifices and maintaining public awareness about the risks faced by officers in their daily duties. The campaign serves as a reminder of the permanent commitment to honoring those who have fallen while reinforcing the memorial's role as a lasting symbol of gratitude and remembrance for Washington's law enforcement community.