Ron Battelle is the face of BackStoppers.The retired St. Louis County police chief has devoted a big chunk of his retirement to tub-thumping for the organization that provides support and financial assistance for the families of first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty.BackStoppers has earned a national reputation for the unique work it does. Within hours of the death of a police officer, firefighter, publicly funded paramedic or EMT, BackStoppers sends the family a check for $5,000.That is just the beginning of the lifeline BackStoppers provides. Among other things, the organization will pay the family’s mortgage, taxes and insurance, provide the deceased family’s health and dental coverage and provide educational assistance, including helping pay for college tuition.Battelle, who has served as the executive director of the organization since 2004, makes it to the majority of BackStoppers events. He’s been to hundreds if not thousands of fundraisers in the 18 counties that BackStoppers serves in the metropolitan St. Louis area.  He was in Concord Hill Saturday night at the Warren County BackStoppers fifth annual dinner and auction when he paid a special tribute to our local chapter.“You are amazing, generous people,” Battelle said when he addressed the packed hall. “There is none better. You are the best.”That is high praise from a man who knows. And he wasn’t just blowing smoke. In just five years, The Warren County BackStoppers is on track to have raised $250,000. Last year’s event raised $60,000 and this year’s proceeds could surpass that total.Battelle said later that no other BackStoppers organization in one of the outlying counties has raised as much money as quickly as the Warren County BackStoppers.They are special, without a doubt they are amazing, he said after the event. He also said that is one of the reasons the Warren County BackStoppers chapter was recognized at last year’s annual membership dinner in St. Louis. Marthasville Fire Chief Jeff Backhaus and his committee have our board’s attention and our respect, Battelle noted.They have our respect as well.You can’t help but be impressed with the success the Warren County BackStoppers has had, not only with raising money and awareness but also by uniting all of the first responders in our county under one umbrella. That was evident again Saturday night and it was inspiring to see the camaraderie of the various police, fire and ambulance groups.Congratulations on being the best.