CANTON, Mo. — 91ֱ��’s annual Fallen Officer Project once again exceeded expectations this spring, raising just under $2,000, surpassing its $1,500 goal, to support families of fallen first responders and community outreach efforts.

Organized through the College’s Criminal Justice program, the project culminates in a student-led pickleball tournament that brings together campus and community members in remembrance and support. This year’s event, held April 19 at Culver-Stockton, drew 24 participants across 12 teams, with additional support from members of Kappa Alpha Psi, who volunteered as referees throughout the tournament.

Funds raised will benefit the Supporting Heroes Foundation and the Michigan Urban Youth Alliance, organizations that assist families of fallen first responders and foster positive relationships between law enforcement and youth.

“This year’s tournament went really well. We had a great turnout from students,” said Seth McBride, Director of the 91ֱ�� Center for Public Safety and Chair of the Criminal Justice Department. “We surpassed our goal again this year, and those funds will directly support families who have made the ultimate sacrifice, while also helping build connections between law enforcement and inner-city youth.”

While the fundraiser serves as a compelling hook, the heart of the project lies in its experiential-learning model, connecting students directly with the families and stories behind the fallen.

Students in McBride’s “In the Line of Duty” course are paired with a fallen first responder, conducting research and, in many cases, building personal relationships with surviving family members. The experience provides a deeper understanding of the human impact behind public service.

“These men, women, and K9s are more than first responders; they are individuals with families, friends, and lives beyond the badge,” McBride said. “The least we can do is ensure they are remembered and that their families know their loved ones mattered.”

For junior Zach Kowalewicz (Chicago, Ill.), a criminal justice major, the experience was transformative. “Taking part in the Fallen Officer Project is a challenging but rewarding experience that I’m very grateful for,” Kowalewicz said. “It shaped how I think about my future career and gave me a deeper perspective on the sacrifices first responders make.”

Kowalewicz was paired with the family of fallen firefighter Chevy Gall, Beaufort-Leslie Fire Protection District (Beaufort, Mo.), and developed a meaningful connection through the process.

“Meeting Chevy’s family made everything feel real,” he said. “It drove me to honor their loved one as best as I possibly could.”

He noted that what began as a nerve-wracking experience quickly turned into a lasting relationship. “At first I was nervous because I didn’t know what to expect,” Kowalewicz said. “But after meeting them, it brought a great sense of relief. The connection we built will last.”

The project also reinforces Culver-Stockton’s commitment to experiential learning, giving students opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in meaningful, real-world contexts. Through interviews, research, and personal outreach, students gain insight into the realities of public safety careers while developing empathy, communication skills, and a deeper sense of purpose.

“The tournament is just one piece of it,” McBride said. “What matters most is that students step outside their comfort zones, connect with families, and help ensure these heroes are never forgotten.”

As the program continues to evolve, it has expanded to honor all first responders, including police officers, firefighters, and K9 units, reflecting the broad scope of service and sacrifice within public safety.

For Kowalewicz, the impact is lasting. “This experience has motivated me even more to pursue a career in law enforcement,” he said. “It changed how I see the profession — and who I want to become.”

For more information about the Fallen Officer Project and/or C-SC’s criminal justice program, contact McBride at smcbride@culver.edu.

Photo, top right: Zach Kowalewicz (right) poses with a banner that identifies the first responders being honored in the 2026 Fallen Officer Project. Kowalewicz connected with the family of Chevy Gall, a firefighter who passed away in April 2025.

Photo, middle left: Students in prayer at the 2026 Fallen Officer Project’s pickleball tournament, held April 19 at C-SC.

Photo, bottom right: Seth McBride (right, pictured with his arm in the air), Director of the 91ֱ�� Center for Public Safety and Chair of the Criminal Justice Department, talking with students at the 2026 Fallen Officer Project’s pickleball tournament. 

CANTON, Mo. — 91ֱ�� Criminal Justice Senior Lecturer Seth McBride recently presented on the College’s Fallen Officer Project to members of the Ralls County (Missouri) Conservative Committee. During his Feb. 13 presentation, McBride shared how the initiative honors fallen first responders while providing transformative experiential learning opportunities for students.

The Fallen Officer Project is part of Culver-Stockton’s criminal justice coursework and pairs students with the families and legacies of officers and firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. Through the project, students research the lives and service of fallen heroes, connect with surviving family members, and help ensure their stories and sacrifices are remembered.

McBride was joined in the presentation by two Culver-Stockton criminal justice alumni, Zachary Pfeiffer `18 and Joshua Douglas `21, who now serve as law enforcement officers in northeast Missouri. Together, the group discussed the impact of the project on students, participating families, and the broader law enforcement community.

“The Fallen Officer Project is designed to push students beyond the classroom in a truly immersive, hands-on way,” McBride said. “This is more than a college course; it’s a life course. Through meaningful conversations with fallen hero families, students gain a deeper understanding of the personal and community impact of public service loss while building lasting connections rooted in empathy, professionalism, and respect.”

In a , Pfeiffer said taking part in the course and the Fallen Officer Project when he was a student shaped his perspective as a law enforcement officer. “It’s given me more of a focus as to what I’m doing out there while I’m at work,” he noted.

A key component of the Fallen Officer Project is its public outreach and fundraising efforts. Students organize memorial events, such as honor walks, that pay tribute to officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty, with proceeds supporting organizations that serve fallen hero families.

Funds raised through project initiatives benefit groups such as Supporting Heroes and Whose House Our House, organizations that provide financial assistance, community programming, and long-term support to the loved ones of fallen public-safety professionals.

For more information about C-SC’s criminal justice program, visit /majors/criminal-justice/.

Money raised or donations received during the tournament will benefit two organizations: Supporting Heroes, Inc. and Michigan Urban Youth Alliance organizations. Supporting Heroes, Inc. is focused on serving family members of fallen first responders to create relationships amid tragedy, and Michigan Urban Youth Alliance promotes community policing initiatives with inner-city youth.

The pickleball tournament is a culmination of the 12-week course entitled “In the Line of Duty,” which teaches students historical, emotional, and interpersonal skills to understand further the commitment first responders make when taking an oath as professionals.

Seth McBride, Senior Lecturer in Criminal Justice at 91ֱ��, teaches the course. He said the objective is to recognize the fallen heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice. “The content covered in this course, and the conversations that take place throughout the 12-week semester, will push students outside of their comfort zone,” McBride said. “We are asking college students to create connections with someone who has tragically lost a loved one in the line of duty. These difficult conversations and the relationships that result from them will prepare the minds of our students for the trajectory of their career.”

For more information regarding the Fallen Officer Project, contact Seth McBride at smcbride@culver.edu.

About 91ֱ��
91ֱ��, situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop The Hill overlooking the Mississippi River, was founded in 1853 by members of the Disciples of Christ Church. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world shape their futures in academic excellence with opportunities in 80 majors and minors, five graduate programs, 21 NAIA inter-collegiate athletics, 35 diverse student organizations, and many campus-life events.

Participants who register before midnight March 20, 2024, will receive a t-shirt and potentially other items, on the day of the event. Registrants after March 20, 2024, will not receive the t-shirt and other potential items.

Money raised or donations received during the walk will benefit two organizations: Supporting Heroes, Inc. and Whose House Our House (WHOH) organizations. Supporting Heroes, Inc. is focused on serving family members of fallen first responders to create relationships amid tragedy, and WHOH promotes community policing initiatives with inner-city youth.

“We have a great addition to the spring 2024 Fallen Officer Project Campaign! This year we will also recognize Fallen Law Enforcement Officers, Fallen Firefighters, and those who have become permanently disabled due to their public safety career,” stated Senior Lecturer Seth McBride. The project will still follow the same criteria for the students who participate. Students honoring law enforcement officers will wear a blue Fallen Officer Project logo, and those honoring firefighters will wear a red Fallen Officer Project logo.

The walk is a culmination of the 12-week course entitled “In the Line of Duty,” which teaches students historical, emotional, and interpersonal skills to understand further the commitment first responders make when taking an oath as professionals. McBride teaches the course, and he said the objective is to recognize the fallen heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice. “The content covered in this course, and the conversations that take place throughout the 12-week semester, will push students outside of their comfort zone,” McBride said. “We are asking college students to create connections with someone who has tragically lost a loved one in the line of duty. These difficult conversations and the relationships that result from them will prepare the minds of our students for the trajectory of their career.”

For more information regarding the Fallen Officer Project, contact McBride at smcbride@culver.edu.

The walk is a culmination of the 12-week course entitled “In the Line of Duty,” which teaches students historical, emotional, and interpersonal skills to understand further the commitment first responders make when taking an oath as a professional. Senior Lecturer Seth McBride teaches the course, and he said the objective is to recognize the fallen heroes who have made the utmost sacrifice. “The content covered in this course, and the conversations that take place throughout the 12-week semester, will push students outside of their comfort zone,” McBride said. “We are asking college students to create connections with someone who has tragically lost a loved one. These difficult conversations and the relationships that result from it will prepare the minds of our students for the trajectory of their career.”

Any monies raised or donations received during the walk will benefit two organizations: Supporting Heroes, Inc. and Who’s House Our House (WHOH) organizations. Supporting Heroes, Inc. is focused on serving family members of fallen first responders to create relationships amid tragedy, and WHOH promotes community policing initiatives with inner-city youth.

For more information regarding the Fallen Officer Project, contact Seth McBride at smcbride@culver.edu.

“This is a life course,” McBride said, “We are asking college students to go out of their comfort zone to connect with someone who has lost a loved one.” While the conversations may present new experiences for the students, the project’s outcomes far outweigh the hesitations. Jared Henderson, a senior at C-SC, has chosen to represent a fallen firefighter because he serves as a volunteer firefighter in his community. Henderson said that he knows the project and walk are “important to the families.” He shared, “The Fallen Officer Project lets them know that their family member hasn’t been forgotten- it represents and honors them.”

The walk will be held on the Richeson Track at Ellison-Poulton Stadium on the campus of 91ֱ�� from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. The cost to participate is $25, and registration is open to the public.  All proceeds go to Supporting Heroes and Whose House Our House Foundation, an organization committed to bridging the gap between law enforcement and inner-city youth. To sign up for the Fallen Officer walk or donate to the project, visit . For additional information about the Fallen Officer Project, please contact Seth McBride at smcbride@culver.edu.

That’s why the Fallen Officer Project that he created in 2018 continues to be so meaningful for him as it starts its fourth year.

McBride has selected 13 Culver-Stockton students to be in his “In the Line of Duty” class during the spring semester as part of the project. Students sign up for the class during the fall semester, and McBride interviews each one to make sure they know about the course’s expectations. Students all have criminal justice as either a major or a minor, and they receive three hours of credit.

Earlier this month, students picked an officer who died in the line of duty and reached out to the officer’s police department or family to ask if they could represent the officer. They researched the officer’s years of service, how the officer died and the family the officer left behind.

After students present their findings, they will participate April 11 in a 12-hour memorial walk on the track ringing Ellison Poulton Stadium on the C-SC campus. One of the fallen officers will be recognized each hour. Each student will wear a shirt with the fallen officer’s name on the back during the walk.

This year’s Fallen Officer Project also is serving as a fundraiser for the first time, helping two foundations. One is called  in the Detroit, Mich., area. It was created by Elijah Richardson ‘18, the president and community initiatives director for WHOH. The foundation’s goal is to utilize inner-city youth to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community through traditional and nontraditional sports, along with creating a gateway to higher education and careers. Michael Johnson ’19 is the foundation’s fundraising director.

The other foundation is , a group created in 2004 that honors people in Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri who worked in the police, fire and EMS services and have died in the line of duty. Supporting Heroes offers up to $5,000 in emergency funds to cover a family’s financial needs until state or federal benefits arrive.

The Fallen Officer Project’s fundraising goal for 2021 is $5,000, and McBride says any amount raised will be split between WHOH and Supporting Heroes.

McBride has established incentive fundraising goals. He will wear combat boots and a tactical vest with hard plate inserts for the memorial walk if $500 is raised, and he will take a bite on campus from the K-9 dog with the Marion County (Mo.) Sheriff’s Department Office if $1,000 is raised. If the fundraiser reaches $5,000, McBride will allow the students participating in this year’s Fallen Officer Project to design a logo related to the project that will be tattooed on his leg.

, or donors can contact McBride at smcbride@culver.edu.

A Hannibal, Mo., native, McBride is a commissioned sheriff’s deputy in Lewis County and served with the Hannibal Police Department from 2003 to 2012. He is in his seventh year as a member of the Culver-Stockton faculty, teaching courses on introduction to criminal justice, criminal investigation, policing, juvenile delinquency, homeland security, interview and interrogation and victimology.

He was awarded the 2020 Blue Apple for excellence in teaching, presented by the Culver-Stockton Teacher Organization and voted on by C-SC students. The criminal justice department was named the program of the year for the Fallen Officer Project as well.