It has been a tough year for law enforcement. Since January 2016, there have been more than 50 law enforcement officer deaths, one of whom was Officer Doug Barney of Utah.
“Early this year, we felt the sting of losing one of our own Utah heroes, Doug Barney.” said Tore Steen, founder of The Utah 1033 Foundation. “Last week, we lost five more heroes in Dallas. They died protecting each other and protecting their community and now their families are left grieving and suffering this tragic loss. Today, we must stand with them, honoring our local law enforcement officers and the sacrifices they make to keep us safe.”
The Utah 1033 Foundation was established in 2011 with the purpose of honoring Utah’s fallen officers by providing immediate financial support to their families. Since 2011, the foundation has presented more than $125,000 to five families of Utah fallen officers, including: Ogden City Police Officer Jared Francom, Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Aaron Beesley, Draper City Police Sgt. Derek Johnson, Utah County Sheriff Sgt. Cory Wride and Unified Police Officer Doug Barney.
“This is a tragedy,” said Jim Winder, Salt Lake County Sheriff. “I cannot imagine what Dallas Transit Police is experiencing at this time. As law enforcement officers, we understand and accept the dangers of this job with the hope of improving our communities and keeping our neighbors, friends and families safe. Let us honor these men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in protecting their community.”
“Now more than ever our officers need community support,” said Shante Johnson, a family advocate and member of the advisory board to the Utah 1033 Foundation. “The community support shown to my family had a positive impact on us and will never be forgotten. The Utah 1033 Foundation was among those who showed support by helping us bear the heavy weight of the financial responsibilities left behind.”
The Utah 1033 Foundation invites the community to show Dallas their support by rallying around Utah’s law enforcement officers and honoring Utah’s fallen.
For more information on the Utah 1033 Foundation and how you can help honor and support Utah’s fallen officers, visit http://www.utah1033.org/
