Since the first recorded death in 1786, over 23,000 law enforcement officers in the United States have been killed or died in the line of duty. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week it falls within as "Police Week". Lancaster County Deputy Sheriff Craig Dodge was killed in the line of duty on March 14, 1987 while responding to a domestic violence call in Hickman, Nebraska. In this episode, Craig's wife Barb Dodge joined the 902 Podcast to share her story. Following the tragedy of Craig's death, Barb became actively involved with Concerns Of Police Survivors, Inc. (COPS), a national organization dedicated to helping police survivors cope, heal, and begin to rebuild their lives. She is a past National President of COPS and was invited to speak at the dedication of the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial in Washington, D.C. Each year during National Police Week in Washington D.C, Barb conducts the seminar "From Victim To Survivor" for new police survivor families. In addition, she is a member of the Nebraska Law Enforcement Memorial Committee which pursues fundraising for the Nebraska State Law Enforcement Memorial and has been an active board member of the Nebraska COPS Chapter.

Craig and Barb. Life as a law enforcement spouse. March 14, 1987. The days and weeks to follow. "You don't get to quit." What is National Police Week? Barb's involvement with COPS. President Bush's handkerchief. COPS activities. Dealing with Craig's death. How you can help or get involved. Police Week memories.