In March 11, 2015, Justin Woodard, President of Woodard Cleaning & Restoration, and Dave Christoff, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, presented The BackStoppers’ Director, Jim Silvernail (far left), and Executive Director, Chief Ron Battelle (far right) with a check for $5,000 (and some delicious BBQ).

Our team has the privilege of working extensively with some of St. Louis’ finest police officers, firefighters, and EMS, and our partnership with this wonderful organization is our way of giving back to the families who stand behind these brave men and women day in and day out.

BackStoppers greatly appreciates the tremendous support of Woodard for our fallen heroes and look forward to a long-term partnership to assist the families of police, fire and EMS officers whose lives were sacrificed in the line of duty. – Ron Battelle

When our community faces destruction from storms, water, fire, or other disasters, these first responders rush to the scene to protect and rescue our citizens from harm. Shortly thereafter, Woodard’s crews are dispatched to help clean, rebuild, and get our neighbors back on their feet. We’ve always appreciated this partnership in the field, and now we’re stepping up to the plate in support of The BackStoppers – a local nonprofit that “[helps] the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety.”

It was an honor to present this check to Jim and Ron. The BackStoppers is a great organization and Woodard is so thankful for the work that they do. We are eager and excited to offer our support going forward. – Dave Christoff

In addition to this donation, Woodard will participate in and sponsor various events throughout the year in order to help raise additional funds for the organization.

About The BackStoppers

Rapid Response, Ongoing Assistance:

Within hours of the death of a police officer, firefighter, publicly-funded paramedic or EMT his or her family receives a check for $5,000 from The BackStoppers, with assurance of further help.

Follow-up help:

• Assumption of financial obligations (i.e., mortgage payments, automobile payments, credit card debt, loan debt, taxes, insurance, etc.) as funding permits
• Health and dental insurance, if needed
• Elementary and secondary educational assistance grades K–12 (per child: $2,000 per year public, $4,000 per year private)
• College/vocational tuition assistance to spouse/survivors
• $1,000 payment to spouse at Christmas
• $1,000 U.S. Savings Bonds to surviving children at Christmas and on birthday up to age 21
• Miscellaneous assistance as approved by board of directors (i.e., home repairs, unusual medical expenses, etc.)
• Financial counseling

These benefits are not all-inclusive and the amounts of assistance indicated are guidelines only and can be increased by the Board of Directors based upon need or other circumstances.