Jennifer Thacker's COPS Walk 2010

In April of 1998 my life was shattered with the line of duty death of my law enforcement husband, Brandon Thacker. Our life together was just beginning...we had a bright future and so many dreams when I was left, at the young age of 26, to raise our one year old daughter alone, endure the criminal justice processes, and try to find a way to navigate this rocky road of grief, that has been overwhelming, smothering, at times. A year after I buried Brandon, I attended National Police Week (NPW) to honor Brandon's ultimate sacrifice and I also found an organization of people, Concerns of Police Survivors, C.O.P.S., who honored me and my family, the Living Memorials. I met new friends who could relate to my life, my challenges, and who gave me hope and motivation to work to rebuild. I found a unique support system that was unlike any other and I returned home changed with a new perspective. I began to soak up all the support opportunities I could, Spouses Getaway, NPW, just so I could be with those who understood me. When my daughter, Katherine, turned 6, we began attending C.O.P.S. Kids Camp each summer. She finally met other children like her, some who also struggled with not having a memory of their parent, trying to find connection with their parent who was killed suddenly and tragically. She found understanding and has learned to empathize and support others. I think that without C.O.P.S. I would have survived, but cannot imagine having a full life that I have today because of C.O.P.S. ...a life where I'm not only surviving, Katherine and I, are THRIVING! I hope you will help me to thank C.O.P.S. by sponsoring me as I prepare to walk 25 miles (completing a total of 150 miles!) in the 6th Annual COPS Walk. Please do so by September 30, what would have been our 15th wedding anniversary. Thank You!