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Military, police and firefighters risk their lives to protect and serve the public. This is a brave and noble endeavor which requires a great deal of courage. Friends and family of these heroic individuals can take tremendous pride in the work of their loved one. When tragedy strikes and there is a death in the line of duty, the bereaved can still hold onto their high regard for the departed’s selfless service, while they experience all of the pain and grief that comes with the loss. The violent and sudden loss can further complicate their mourning, since it is a unique experience that may require unique support services.
According to their website, www.nationalcops.org, Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) is a non-profit organization that “provides resources to assist in the rebuilding of the lives of surviving families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.” The organization estimates that between 140 and 160 officers are killed in the line of duty each year. Founded in 1984, membership currently consists of over 15,000 families who are creating a community of survivors. COPS' programs for survivors include scholarships, peer-support at the national, state, and local levels, a counseling reimbursement program, the "C.O.P.S. Kids" Summer Camp, and special retreats for spouses, parents, siblings, and adult children.
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is a similar organization that serves the military community. Their website can be found at www.taps.org and they have a toll free hotline at 1-800-959-TAPS. According to their mission statement, TAPS “provides a wonderful support network for the surviving families of those who have died in service to America.” This organization helps families navigate government bureaucracy and continue to receive support after the official case file has been closed. The TAPS website highlights resources such as “experienced and empathetic caseworkers who act as liaisons, assisting the family members in finding solutions to problems.” In addition to providing access to experienced social service professionals, TAPS offers peer support and a wide variety of other programs.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is a non profit foundation created by the United States Congress to memorialize firefighters killed in the line of duty. However, since 1992, the organization has expanded to assist the families and coworkers of “fallen firefighters” through a variety of programs. Their website is located at www.firehero.org. There you can learn about the many services the NFFF provides. “When a firefighter dies in the line of duty, the Foundation provides survivors with a place to turn,” their website explains. “Families receive emotional assistance through a Fire Service Survivors Network, which matches survivors with similar experiences and circumstances. Families receive a quarterly newsletter and specialized grief publications. Our Website provides extensive information on survivor benefits, Foundation programs, and other resources.” Additionally, the NFFF holds an annual memorial weekend and assists the families of fallen firefighters attend this event. They also award scholarships and are even working on an initiative to reduce line of duty firefighter deaths by 25% over the next five years.
Hopefully, these organizations are just one way of staying connected and realizing you are not alone. The desire to isolate yourself can be strong after a loss, but this is detrimental to the grieving process. It is important to stay involved in the communities of people who understand what you are going through and want to help.
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