A sense of strong community seemed to permeate the atmosphere Saturday, Feb. 20, during the sixth annual BackStoppers Dinner Dance held at the St. Ignatius Community Center. Warren County residents …
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Support continues for BackStoppers
Posted
By Cindy Gladden,
Record Staff Writer
A sense of strong community seemed to permeate the atmosphere Saturday, Feb. 20, during the sixth annual BackStoppers Dinner Dance held at the St. Ignatius Community Center.Warren County residents exemplified that by showing their generosity to the families of fallen first responders.According to Marthasville Fire Chief Jeff Backhaus, who serves as chairman of the local BackStoppers effort, preliminary results indicate more than $50,000 was raised during the 2016 fundraiser.“Last year we raised $70,000,” said Backhaus. “In the past five years, we have raised a quarter of a million dollars. BackStoppers can’t believe we do it with such a small community.”Many attending the event attribute its success to the efforts of the local BackStoppers Board of Directors, all members of the county’s fire, police, EMS, and dispatch representatives. Backhaus said the event is now a well-oiled machine, with a tremendous amount of effort from the board and the community.The event program highlights ads from individuals and businesses all over Warren County, showing the depth of support given to the effort.BackStoppers began in 1959, providing support and financial assistance to spouses and children of first responders who died in the line of duty. St. Louis BackStoppers Executive Director Chief Ron Battelle reported that 75 families are currently being served, including 64 children.Three local families receive support — the survivors of Chief Paul Fricke of Hawk Point; Lonnie Cole, Warren County deputy; and Vernon Seals, Truesdale Police Department.Battelle congratulated the local board and the community, crediting the “character and integrity of everybody to step forward and provide this support.”He also announced the recent appointment of Backhaus to the St. Louis BackStoppers Advisory Board.“It’s a highly sought after position,” said Battelle. “It reflects on him and the entire community.”Jim Silvernail, retired fire chief of Metro West and Melville Fire Department, also commented on the Warren County event.“It’s the neatest event I go to, and I go to a lot. I’m tickled to death that Jeff is coming on board. $70,000! Wow! That’s all I can say. I just hope we never have to come out here and do work.”Backhaus voiced the same sentiment, reflecting on the problems facing today’s first responders, including targeting of police officers. He said the numbers of families that might need help can “go up pretty quick.”
The St. Louis County Police Pipe and Drums Corps paid tribute to fallen first responders and opened the BackStoppers event held Saturday, Feb. 20. Cindy Gladden Photo.
