As a 20+ year veteran of law enforcement, Mike understands the perils of policing. He started Band of Blue in 2016 upon reflecting on the devastating impact a line of duty death has on the fallen officer’s law enforcement family, as well as their family at home.
Mike currently serves at the Racine Police Department in Wisconsin. He has a son and daughter with his wife, Sarah. As a family, they love to travel, experience new places together, and be out on the water.
“At that moment, I decided to devote my life to this cause that will provide everlasting support and a sense of belonging to our fallen officers and their families.”
For the past 15+ years, Tara has been involved in a host of community organizations, including The United Way, The Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha, Racine Founders Rotary, Racine YMCA, and many more. Every day, she demonstrates that giving back and making a positive impact in the community is simply ingrained in her DNA.
In 2017, she started the Policeman’s Ball—an annual event that supports the K-9 Unit, Police Pals, Community Policing programs, and more.
“Serving on Band of Blue is the least I can do for our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line for me and my family every day.”
Ray has been with Band of Blue since the very beginning, and focuses on organizational and business management. A proud supporter of law enforcement, since 2015, Ray has dedicated his time, energy, and resources to put on Back the Badge—an annual law enforcement appreciation golf outing. This event is a major supporter of Band of Blue and other important community organizations.
“The mission to provide support for the children and families that have suffered such a tragic loss touched me as a father and grandfather. I couldn’t pass on the opportunity to be part of this.”
Ray loves spending time with his family, including his twelve grandchildren. He also enjoys golfing with friends and looks forward to his annual dad & daughters weekend trip.
Matt is a partner with the law firm of Stafford Rosenbaum LLP where he focuses on business and commercial litigation. As Band of Blue’s legal director, he provides guidance and insight that is critical to operating a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Matt chose to join Band of Blue because he believes in their mission to help those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in serving and protecting our communities.
In his free time, Matt enjoys spending time with his family.
“It is imperative that children of fallen law enforcement officers receive our appreciation and support. Now more than ever, that support should come directly from those of us who do not work directly with law enforcement to show the value that police officers and their families provide to our communities.
Dan is a 20+ year veteran of law enforcement, serving as a member of the Patrol Unit, Motor Unit, and Swat Team at the Racine Police Department. As Project Director for Band of Blue, Dan establishes meaningful relationships with families of fallen officers, and works with them to build a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will honor their loved one.
For leisure, Dan spends much of his time enjoying the great outdoors with his family and riding off into the sunset with his beautiful wife, Rachel.
“Providing a source of healing for the children and families of fallen brethren is something to which I couldn’t wait to contribute. Hearing the continued stories of the families with whom we’ve already made connections makes me look forward to the differences we will make going forward.”
With over a decade of service at the Racine Police Department, Rachel is passionate about serving her community and helping people in need. She is a Project Director for Band of Blue, working alongside her husband, Dan, to create transformative experiences that help families of fallen officers move forward.
“Many of us search our entire lives to find something we are passionate about, and I have found mine with Band of Blue. I can think of few families that deserve to be honored as equally as those who have lost a mother or father while serving their community.”
In her free time, Rachel enjoys spending time with her family, adventuring, gardening, and riding the motorcycle.
Alex, the widow of Patrolman Chase Lee Maddox (EOW February 9th, 2018), has lived through the devastation, heartbreak and continuance of life after an in line of duty death. After her family was honored in 2020, Alex eagerly claimed the Band of Blue family as her own. In 2022, Alex became the President of Band of Blue’s Georgia Chapter and passionately provides comfort to families and departments walking through the destruction post-loss, while providing guidance as reconstruction begins.
Alex enjoys raising her two sons, one who requires special needs and one who was born just four days after her husband’s End of Watch. She loves reading, writing, and spending as much time as possible outdoors.
“My husband always said ‘The good will always outweigh the bad.’ Becoming a leader within the Band of Blue organization embodies his message. We chose to live in honor of our fallen, to not waste the lives they were robbed of. We encourage others to remember, and to continue to provide love and happiness in a world where darkness tries to steal the light away.”
