The Warren County chapter of BackStoppers raised $80,000 this year for the families of first responders seriously injured or killed on the job.The vast majority of that money was raised at the annual BackStoppers dinner and auction in February in Concord Hill.On July 10, members of the Warren County chapter delivered a check for the funds raised to Chief Ron Battelle, executive director of the BackStoppers parent organization.Marthasville Fire Chief Jeff Backhaus, who chairs the Warren County chapter, thanked all of the community members who came out this year to show their tremendous support. This was the eighth annual fundraiser.“We started out our first year at $30,000. We’re up to $80,000 (this year). It’s because of the support we have from the community,” said Backhaus. “The auction is a huge part of what we do. It’s just been a huge success, beyond what we ever dreamed of it being.”Items sold during the auction are donated by businesses and individuals throughout Warren County, as well as some in Lincoln and Franklin counties, he said. The auction has now raised more than $460,000 for first responders and their families in the St. Louis region.Battelle, who is a retired chief of police for St. Louis County, said it is amazing that such a large donation can be raised in one night.“Over the years, what’s really growing is the support from the outlying counties,” Battelle commented. “Warren County has set the pace for outlying counties in terms of monies raised.“A big thank you from us to Warren County BackStoppers for everything they’ve done over these years,” he added.Donations can be sent to BackStoppers any time of the year. Anyone wishing to make a donation can contact Backhaus by email at Chief2100@MarthasvilleFire.org.Monetary donations also can be sent through the BackStoppers website, backstoppers.org. Information about becoming involved with the organization can also be located on the site.

Members of the Warren County chapter of BackStoppers present an $80,000 check to organization’s Executive Director Ron Battelle. The money was raised from the annual BackStoppers dinner and auction in Concord Hill. Pictured, from left, are Ralph Hellebusch, Carole Fallart, Frank Stuermann, Lauren Moritz, Pam Backhaus, Lulu Hasenjaeger, Battelle, Mike Owenby, Jeff Backhaus, MaryAnn Battelle and Justin Backhaus. 

Record photo/Adam Rollins