We are very grateful to have made it through March without any line of duty deaths here in North Carolina. Therefore we have been able to focus on our latest benefit - the Deputy Ned Byrd BLET Scholarship. Back the Blue NC initially raised money for Byrd’s family, but they returned it and asked the funds instead to be used to help someone else. Our team has decided, with the family's blessing and support, to partner with Wake Tech Community College to put one student through basic law enforcement training each year. Fallen Wake County Deputy Ned Byrd was all about training the next generation, so it is only fitting that we've established a scholarship for cadets attending Wake Tech's BLET program in his name. We will consider one cadet per year who is not already sponsored by an agency, but wants to make a difference through policing, and offer them a full scholarship (including classes, books, and uniforms).
If you are interested in donating to our Deputy Ned Byrd Scholarship Fund you can easily donate online at:
or using the Donate button on our website www.backthebluenc.org
We would like to thank everyone who contributed to our separate fundraiser to send additional Wake County K9 Deputies to Police Week in DC. We are happy to announce that because of your generosity we are able to send an additional six Deputies to honor their fallen brother Deputy Ned Byrd. Hotel rooms have already been booked and we are wishing them a safe and wonderful trip this May.
During their trip Deputies will be able to enjoy and attend: - A stay at the Hilton Washington. This hotel houses all of the major C.O.P.S. Events - registration, National Police Survivors Conference, Blue Honor Gala, and any meals provided by C.O.P.S. This hotel is encouraged for all current year families to stay in. - Visits to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum - May 12th - Official arrival day and arrival of Police Unity Tour - May 13th - The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund presents its annual Candlelight Vigil - a signature event of National Police Week in Washington, D.C. During the Candlelight Vigil, fallen officers whose names were engraved on the Memorial Wall in 2023 are formally dedicated. The Candlelight Vigil, held on the National Mall, includes the lighting of candles, reading of names, remarks by dignitaries, and musical tributes performed to honor the memory of these fallen officers. - May 14th - The National Police Survivors' Conference provides surviving family members and co-workers the opportunity to find support and understanding from other survivors, talk with mental health professionals, and attend seminar sessions that will help them and their family address their grief.
National K-9 Veterans Day was celebrated on March 13th, which is a day dedicated to honoring and commemorating the service and sacrifices of American military and working dogs throughout history. We thank all of the K-9s who serve our communities and our country!
We are proud to be recognized as a sponsor for the Garner Local Heroes 6th annual Local Heroes breakfast!
The event will be held Wednesday, May 10, 2023 8-10 a.m. at the Grand Marquise Ballroom located at 225 New Fidelity Court, Garner, NC 27529.
The breakfast will honor recipients from Garner NC Police, Garner Fire Rescue, Wake County EMS, Wake County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and Raleigh-Wake County 911 for going above and beyond to keep our community safe.
For more information and tickets please visit: https://garnerlocalheroes.org/
Lastly, shortly after the loss of Raleigh Police Officer Torres (EOW 10/13/22), Founder and CEO of Back The Blue NC Lindsay LiCausi reached out to Tunnel to Towers to nominate the
Torres family for a mortgage free home. We are so happy to reveal that their new home that has been awarded! We know that this will not heal Jasmin and Layla’s heart or the hole left from their loss, but we know it is a positive step forward in their healing journey.
If you would like to help us continue our mission of assisting the children and families of North Carolina's Law Enforcement Officers killed in the line of duty please visiting www.backthebluenc.org/1033 to become a monthly donor! Back The Blue NC is proud to operate as 100% non-profit and 100% volunteer-driven to ensure we can make the most impact.
😊