At the annual Heroes Tribute Gala held March 12th in Louisville Kentucky, Supporting Heroes Executive Director Eric Johnson announced the expansion of operations to Missouri, effectively immediately.
Supporting Heroes, Inc., a 501(c)3 charitable organization, provides support to the families of fallen public safety officers in furtherance of their mission “to honor the service and sacrifice of public safety heroes who give their lives in the line of duty – by caring for the loved ones they leave behind.”
Supporting Heroes began operations on September 11, 2004 and has since served the families of fallen public safety officers in both Kentucky and Indiana. In response to the requests of many public safety officers in Missouri and because of their desire to serve more families, the Board of Trustees approved expansion to Missouri – thereby giving peace of mind to the family members of Missouri’s public safety officers with their promise, “We’ll Be There.”
Supporting Heroes provides immediate financial support to the family of a fallen hero. But that is only where their support begins. Supporting Heroes also provides monthly financial support to address a family’s ongoing needs, assists families in attending National memorials, and also assists in applying for State and Federal benefits. Supporting Heroes also provides ongoing social support – a key component in assisting them through their grief journey.
Executive Director Johnson also announced that Brian Zinanni has been named the State Director for Missouri. Brian is a Paramedic Firefighter with the City of Clayton Fire Department, and is the founder and State Coordinator of the Missouri Fire Service Funeral Assistance Team. Brian has served not only the families of fallen Missouri firefighters, but also as a resource to the EMS and Law Enforcement funeral teams by assisting with honors as well as filing for State and Federal benefits.
Mr. Zinanni stated: “I am excited to bring the comfort and peace of mind that Supporting Heroes provides to the families of those who serve in our public safety services. The vast majority of public safety officers in Missouri were without the level of support provided by Supporting Heroes. Today, EVERY public safety officer in our state has the peace of mind that Supporting Heroes provides. Not only are we able to relieve the family of their immediate financial burdens, but we are also able to offer them ongoing social support as well”.
For additional information, please visit www.supportingheroes.org or call (502) 585-2282.
Eric Johnson: EricJohnson@SupportingHeroes.org
Brian Zinanni: BrianZinanni@SupportingHeroes.org
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