Imagine you’re the spouse of a police officer. You wish them a good day, maybe tell them to be careful and send them off to work.

And they never come home again.

According to statistics reported to the FBI, 129 law enforcement officers across the country were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2021.

A story by staff writer Molly Miller on the cover of the Monday Eagle tells us the last time a Butler County law enforcement officer died in the line of duty was more than 40 years ago.

Saxonburg’s former police chief Gregory B. Adams was shot during a traffic stop Dec. 4, 1980, and died from his injuries.

Should such a terrible tragedy happen again, a local group is working to ensure funds are available for the victim's family.

The Butler County Law Enforcement Officer’s Association has a goal of $30,000 for a fund that would benefit the families of local officers who die on the job. So far, about $20,000 has been raised.

“When a police officer dies, the family is often left in a bad situation,” said Frank Cichra, a retired state trooper and president of the association. “This fills in that little gap between the tragedy and the insurance.”

He said the fund was created after members were made aware of similar resources in other counties.

The fund can be used for any law enforcement officer’s family for funeral arrangements and other expenses. Officers that qualify include police, corrections, probation, constables and sheriff’s deputies.

Most of the fund has been supplemented by businesses and local leaders becoming part of the “100 Club” through a one-time donation of $100.

Jon Anderson, an associate liaison for the association, has been meeting business owners and local leaders about donating to the 100 Club in person, as Cichra said they do not want to be mistaken for a scam.

Cichra said while the Butler community is lucky that the most recent officer death was more than 40 years ago, current events have raised awareness about the dangers officers face every day at work.

“Let’s pray we don’t have to use this fund,” he said.

We couldn’t agree more, but, as with all savings accounts, it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

The Eagle applauds this effort and the individuals and organizations that support it. And on that note, anyone interested in donating to the 100 Club or becoming a member of the association is asked to call 724-968-6659.

— RJ