When a first responder dies in the line of duty, their community is often left stunned, grieving and searching for ways to honor a life cut short in service to others. But for the loved ones of the fallen, the aftermath is far more complex — a blur of heartbreak, unanswered questions and, often, sudden financial strain. In these moments of turmoil, Supporting Heroes steps in, providing a beacon of relief and support.
Founded in 2004, the Louisville-based nonprofit provides immediate and long-term support to the families of public safety officers who make the ultimate sacrifice in Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri. Executive Director Eric Johnson, a retired Louisville Metro Police officer, helped launch the organization after a series of personal experiences exposed the lack of infrastructure to support grieving families.
“I thought there would be a government team that would swoop in and take care of everything when someone died in the line of duty,” Johnson says. “But there wasn’t. Each department was left to figure it out on their own.”
That realization hit home after a 2000 incident involving a slain officer whose widow and young child were on the verge of losing their home. The idea that a hero’s family could face such devastating consequences galvanized Johnson and a small group of peers to act.
On Sept. 11, 2004 — a symbolically chosen date — Supporting Heroes officially began operations. Their mission was clear: to honor the service and sacrifice of public safety officers by caring for their loved ones left behind.
The cornerstone of Supporting Heroes’ work is its rapid response following a line-of-duty death. A member of the team, either staff or a trained volunteer, connects with the affected department and surviving family as soon as possible. They bring what survivors often describe as “order to chaos,” helping navigate everything from notification and funeral planning to understanding long-term benefit options.
One of the organization’s first actions is delivering a $5,000 check to the family to help with immediate expenses. That financial assistance can be a lifeline, especially in cases where a family has just bought a home based on dual incomes or is suddenly facing mounting bills with only one source of support.
“People forget that grief is often compounded by financial fear,” Johnson says. “We try to ease that burden right away.”
Beyond financial support, Supporting Heroes helps coordinate funeral honors that meet traditional standards across police, fire and EMS services. In cases where small departments have no experience with these ceremonies — and some have no surviving members at all — Supporting Heroes provides honor guards and logistical coordination to ensure that the fallen receive the recognition they deserve.
“No life is more or less important than another,” Johnson adds. “It doesn’t matter if they served in a one-person police department or a major metro area. If they gave their life in service, we give everything we can to honor them.”
The organization’s commitment doesn’t end after the funeral. Supporting Heroes maintains long-term relationships with surviving family members, especially children. Each year, children of fallen heroes receive a birthday card with a check, accompanied by a personalized letter at Christmas.
“These gestures remind them that their parent hasn’t been forgotten — and neither have they,” Johnson says.
They also ensure that families can attend national memorial services, such as National Police Week in Washington, D.C. Supporting Heroes covers travel, lodging and logistical arrangements, even accompanying families if needed, to ensure they are present as the nation recognizes their loved one’s sacrifice.
While the organization officially serves three states, its reach sometimes stretches beyond those borders. Supporting Heroes has assisted families in Montana, Mississippi and Maryland with navigating the federal line-of-duty death benefit process — a notoriously slow and complicated system that can take years to resolve.
Johnson, who has personally filed more than 100 federal benefit claims, often finds himself helping departments and families who were previously unaware of these benefits. In one case, he helped a widow in Maryland secure benefits more than 20 years after her husband was murdered — a breakthrough that occurred when new evidence reclassified the incident as a line-of-duty death.
“We never dreamed we’d play a role in filing federal claims,” he says. “But we’ve built a reputation, and when someone in need calls, we help however we can.”
Supporting Heroes operates with a small paid staff of five. A team of 50 dedicated volunteers backs the organization, including mostly active or retired first responders and survivors who have joined the mission after experiencing its impact firsthand. The organization is primarily funded through payroll deductions from police, fire and EMS personnel, although community support is becoming increasingly critical to sustaining its work.
“These heroes don’t die serving each other. They die serving their communities,” Johnson says. “We all share the responsibility of caring for the families they leave behind.”
Each year, Supporting Heroes hosts a weekend-long tribute in honor of the families of the fallen. While the Heroes Tribute Gala is open to the public, Johnson says it’s not a fundraiser.
“It’s not about raising money — it’s about honoring those we’ve lost,” he says. “It gives families a chance to connect with others who truly understand their grief. They build relationships that last far beyond that weekend.”
Supporting Heroes continues to grow, but their work remains as intimate and impactful as ever. To support the mission, readers can become members through a recurring donation, volunteer their time or help spread awareness.
“We hope the day never comes when a first responder in your town makes the ultimate sacrifice,” Johnson says. “But if it does, Supporting Heroes will be there — bringing compassion, structure and unwavering support when it’s needed most.”
