The Front Line Foundation was created to put a larger emphasis on the support and safety of all of Minnesota’s First Responders

MINNEAPOLIS, MN ( September 6, 2019 ) – The Front Line Foundation announced today plans for a 9/11 remembrance ceremony as part the 2019 Front Line Foundation’s launch on Wednesday, September 11 at Royal Golf Club in Lake Elmo, MN.

Founded in late 2018 The Front Line Foundation was formed to support, Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters and EMT first responders across Minnesota to grant financial support to families of first responders who have died in the line of duty. Our mission is to bridge the gap between the death and benefits being paid, which can help families with ongoing expenses. The Foundation also provides support in the purchase of tactical equipment for first responders which isn’t included in department budgets.

“We will have supported six families by the end of September,” said Brent Rohlik, Front Line Foundation Co-Founder and Board Member. “Our country has trended in way where the supporting of first responders has diminished. We aim to fill these needs and advocate for these men and women who put their lives on the line every single day.”

Cyrea Lynch, Front Line Foundation Director of Events said that having the event on September 11 is a great time to honor the fallen badge members who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

“Our day starts with the presentation of colors and the National Anthem, a wreath ceremony in honor of the fallen and remarks from stakeholders,” said Lynch. “It is a wonderful way to come together and remember, honor and show these families that we have their back.”

Rohlik also stated that the Foundation has provided training for first responders and “soft targets” such as churches and schools who tend to be overlooked in terms of preparedness of a catastrophic event.

The annual golf tournament on September 11 is a good time to pause and honor the thousands of first responders who make the safety of the general public their top priority.

“This ceremony is always an emotional and moving time,” said Rohlik. “The ceremony and tournament allow us to pause and reflect on the sacrifices first responders have made and continue to make for all of us.”

For Lynch the involvement in The Front Line Foundation is personal. “My husband is a firefighter and if something were to happen to him, I’d want someone to honor and recognize the good he did every day,” she said. “I am proud to help these families know that they are cared for and that their loved one’s service is greatly appreciated.”

To date, the families of the following first responders have received support from The Front Line Foundation and will be honored at the September 11 ceremony:

Corrections Officer Joseph Parise

Conservation Officer Eugene Wynn

Corrections Officer Joseph Gomm

Registered Nurse/EMT Officer Deb Schott

Helicopter Pilot Timothy McDonald

Officer Shannon “Opie” Barron

The Front Line Foundation 9/11 Ceremony At-A-Glance:

When: Wednesday, September 11 at 10:30am, a remembrance ceremony featuring honor guards, a presentation of colors, the National Anthem, and a wreath ceremony in honor of the fallen and remarks from stakeholders.

Where: Royal Golf Club, 11455 20th St N., Lake Elmo, MN 55042 – outside on front lawn near clubhouse

Why: To support first responders and their families.

Attention editors & reporters: This 9/11 remembrance ceremony presents a great photo opp.
Media Parking with easy access to stage will be provided. All of the TFLF newsmakers participating are available to be booked as live interview guests on shows including early morning newscasts. To make coordinating and scheduling easy and hassle-free contact Robb Leer 612.701.0608 TFLF publicist.

About the Front Line Foundation:
The Front Line Foundation began as an attempt to help and support our Fallen Heroes, including Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, EMTs, and the Minnesota National Guard. The Frontline Foundation provides support to those who died while in the line of duty, by giving benefit payments to dependents of fallen first responders. Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, and EMT First Responders face armed and dangerous criminals, impaired individuals wielding weapons, even emotionally charged and threatening domestic disputes. They are the Front Line Defenders of our neighborhoods, towns, and cities who face and diffuse the high-risk, frequently appalling situations we know or hear about, with disbelief, on the news. In addition to providing endowments and support for the families of fallen heroes, The Front Line Foundation will underwrite scholarships and training registration costs for Front Line personnel as well as support preparedness training for safety officers in hospitals, schools, and places of worship. Further, we assist with the purchase of needed safety and tactical equipment not currently within the budget of the local unit of government. For more information please visit www.thefrontlinemn.org