Heroes Behind the Badge

Description

On June 25^th, the University of New Hampshire Police Department, in conjunction with Police Families United, will proudly host a screening of the documentary film Heroes Behind the Badge.  This acclaimed film focuses on seven law enforcement officers who faced lethal danger while performing their duties.  Four of the officers profiled did not survive their encounters.  The film tells of the impact of these deaths on their families, friends, co-workers, and communities.  It also depicts the impact left on the survivors after their incidents.  The film reinforces to America the fact that a law enforcement officer is killed in the United States every 54 hours.

Heroes Behind the Badge is not your standard Hollywood movie.  It was made in conjunction with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.  Half of the proceeds from the film go to this fund, and are used to maintain the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.  Each year, during Police Week, ceremonies are held at this memorial, and those ceremonies are also highlighted in the film.  

Police Families United is a non-profit group, which is dedicated to providing support for the families of law enforcement.  The group was born from a tragic incident which brought numerous law enforcement families to a local emergency room.  In the stress of that time, families were meeting each other for the first time, while trying to support one another.  Police Families United believes that such an incident should never again be the first time these families meet.  The group’s activities center on efforts to bring members of the law enforcement family together, so that in times of tragedy, they know each other well enough to support one another.  They also will be providing training on various aspects of the law enforcement life; promoting public knowledge of the challenges faced by today’s law enforcement officer and family; and supporting charities which improve the resources available to the law enforcement family. 

The film is being shown at the Johnson Theater on the University of New Hampshire campus in Durham.  Doors will open at 5:30, and the event will begin at 7PM.  After the film, the producer of the film, Bill Erfurth will discuss the creation of this documentary.  He will also provide insight into his current effort to produce its sequel.  Mr. Erfurth is a retired police lieutenant, having served for more than 25 years with the Miami Dade Police Department.   

Parking for the event will be in “B” lot, located on McDaniel Drive. 

Tickets are currently available for $15 if purchased in advance of the event at http://heroes-unh.eventbrite.com  ($20 at the door the night of the event)

For answers to your questions about this event, email: policefamiliesunited@gmail.com