Our mission is to

Reduce the growing epidemic of first responder suicides

and break the stigma surrounding first responders coming forward for mental health treatment.

Help Us Help Our First Responders!

Beyond The Badge solely depends on contributions from the local community and businesses to help provide our officers with seminars, events, and the resources they need.

About Us

Beyond the Badge CA is a 501 (c)(3) not for profit organization that was created by two NY law enforcement officers to raise suicide and mental health awareness, as they felt there was a need to address the growing mental health crisis that the first responder community is currently facing.

News & Announcements

No News & Announcements at this time, check back soon!

Upcoming Events

No events at this time, check back soon!

Featured Hero: Toni Schuck

Florida State Master Highway Patrol Trooper

On March 6th, 2022, Florida State Trooper Toni Schuck went to work like most of us do, expecting a normal day at the “office”. Although, as most of us know, nothing is ever “normal” in the law enforcement profession. This would become evident later that day for Toni.

On this day, Toni was assigned to the Skyway 10K race in St. Petersburg, Florida. The race, at one point, leads runners over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge which covers three Florida counties and serves as the breathtaking setting for the 6.2-mile course. Other than the runners crossing the finish line, the day should have been an uneventful one. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case when a drunk driver from Sarasota, FL drove their BMW at a high rate of speed past traffic barriers meant to keep traffic away from the runners. After several unsuccessful attempts by state law enforcement officers to get the driver to stop, there was one last barrier between the intoxicated driver and the unsuspecting runners… Trooper Toni Schuck.

We can speak from firsthand experience that when faced with emergency situations, the last thing you think of is yourself. Basically, instinct takes over and you do what is needed to resolve the situation quickly and with little to no consequence. This is exactly what happened with Toni.

After hearing that the driver had made it past all the previous barricades, Trooper Schuck, a 26-year veteran of the FHP, realized that she was the last line of defense between the vehicle and thousands of runners. Quickly and selflessly, she proceeded to maneuver her patrol vehicle to block the path of the oncoming speeding car, causing a head on collision between the two vehicles and successfully stopping the driver from potentially causing catastrophic injury to the race participants. Amazingly, only minor injuries from the crash were incurred by Trooper Schuck and the drunk driver which required a brief hospital stay. After the incident, she was awarded several honors including the “Back the Blue” award from Florida’s Attorney General, the “InVest USA Heroism” award, and the “key” to St. Petersburg, Florida. She was also named Officer of the Month for March by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

Beyond the Badge NY is proud to recognize Florida State Trooper Toni Schuck for her extreme act of bravery and courage. Her swift actions and disregard for her own personal safety prevented what would have been a disastrous and grave situation. We are grateful for her service and that of every law enforcement officer like her that puts on the uniform to protect life and liberty of the communities they serve. Thank you Toni and God Bless You!

Did you know?

PTSD and depression rates for officers are

0 X

higher than PTSD and depression rates for civilians

The number of officers that take their own life is

0 X

the amount that lose their lives in the line of duty

Only

0 %

of US law enforcement agencies have suicide prevention programs

Sources: www.bluehelp.org; www.addictioncenter.com

Testimonials

I am forever grateful to Beyond the Badge and the work that they are doing. They consistently remember and honor my husband and make me feel like I’m part of the blue family once again. I no longer feel so lost and alone like I have so many times before. Words cannot truly express the immense positive impact this organization has had on me and how fortunate I feel to have them in my life. The work that they do to break the stigma and help our first responders is invaluable! Thank you!

-Kristen C.

Thank you Beyond the Badge for helping our officers and their families. We are so grateful for all you do, especially for my daughter during the most difficult years of her life. As a retired Detective, I know firsthand how tough this job can be. As the father-in-law of a fallen officer to suicide, I know firsthand the tremendous heartbreak and struggles our families endure. Your unwavering support has made all the difference to us, especially my daughter, and we cannot thank you enough.

-Anonymous

When our family’s life was turned upside down, Beyond the Badge was by our side with the utmost support and help we could have ever asked for. Without them, I don’t think we would be where we are today. They helped us navigate this painful road with the simplest of gestures and caring hearts. Beyond the Badge has a significant mission which is to help break the stigma of coming forward for help. They go above and beyond all expectations, putting surviving families ahead of everything and showing families that they will never be in this alone. They certainly made that clear to us from day one. My family and I are forever grateful for all this organization has done for us. Each member of Beyond the Badge will forever hold a piece of our hearts.

-Amanda M.