Merry Christmas From Blue Watch!
Blue Watch Gives Back
One of Blue Watch’s primary goals through training is to provide officers and their families the tools they need to cope with the stresses of the profession. We also want to support those who make daily sacrifices to protect us.
Recently, Blue Watch made a $1,000 donation to Alabama Wounded Blue. Their mission is to aid and encourage the recovery of wounded law enforcement officers and their families.
Also, on December 6, we had the opportunity to support a Christmas party for the children of fallen officers and officers permanently disabled in the line of duty. This was a great event! Law enforcement families from across the state gathered for a time of fellowship.
A special word of thanks goes to retired Birmingham PD Sgt. Jim Henderson for organizing the event, and the Birmingham FOP Lodge 1 for allowing us to use their facility. Blue Watch covered the cost of food and provided gift cards to all children.
The Year In Review
It goes without saying, 2020 has been filled with many challenges. This has impacted our ability to do all we had hoped. However, despite these setbacks there have been a number of accomplishments.
2020 Highlights:
- Donations exceeded projections by over 200%. In addition to the financial support, there was the donation of goods and in-kind services. This is truly a miracle given the downturn in the economy.
- Reached 140 officers representing about 20 departments. This was done through our February Leadership Workshop and our summer event Officer Mindset Resiliency. Some officers traveled from as far as the Mobile Bay area to attend.
- Launched a Facebook page.
- Began a video blog series. This greatly expanded our reach as several vlogs were featured on lawofficer.com, a national online platform for law enforcement.
- Developed and implemented a marketing campaign.
- Donated $1,500 to help officers and their families in need. This included:
- Donating to Alabama Wounded Blue whose mission is to aid officers injured in the line of duty.
- Sponsoring a Christmas party for families and children of officers killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.
Upcoming Events
Strategic Leadership Series – This leadership workshop will be hosted by the Vestavia Hills Police Department and will meet the second Tuesday of each month from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The first session is February 9 and will run through November. Those who successfully complete the 10-session series will receive a special certificate in strategic leadership. A select number of graduates will have the opportunity to participate in advanced leadership training.
Registration opens soon! Look for a special announcement. APOST credits will be awarded.
Spouses and Family Event – “Navigating This World, Strengthening the Foundation at Home.” February 28, 6:00-8:00 p.m., at New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Lead by Anjuli Thompson, a certified counselor and police officer spouse, will present on the hazards of stress and burnout.
This is a free event! Attendance can be in person or virtually. Officers that attend with their family can earn APOST credits. Registration opens January 2021.
Support the Mission
Please prayerfully consider making Blue Watch part of your year-end giving. The faithful giving of many in the community has made all we’ve done possible. To continue the mission will require greater community support. If this is something you feel led to support, you can donate by:
- Clicking the “Donate” button at the top of the page.
- Making a check payable to Blue Watch and mail to 2620 Swiss Lane, Birmingham, AL 35226.
Blue Watch is a 501c(3) non-profit. All donations are tax deductible.
The mission of Blue Watch is to help officers and their families experience the relevance and benefits of God in their lives.