No leader wants to imagine losing a member of his/her agency in the line of duty — yet leading through the unthinkable demands preparation. Leadership Through Loss was created to help you think through the details, responsibilities, and human needs you will confront if such a tragedy ever strikes. By reflecting on various elements in advance, you can lead with clarity, compassion, and strength when your personnel, their families, and your community will need you most.

You are receiving Leadership Through Loss because you are identified in our database as a public safety chief, chief officer, other key leader, or honor guard member who would play an important role if your agency, or possibly a neighboring agency, were to experience a line-of-duty death. This publication is not distributed to the public or to frontline personnel who do not serve in such a role.

Thankfully, most leaders will reach retirement without ever experiencing the loss of someone he/she leads. But the possibility of facing such a tragedy is very real, and the stakes are immeasurably high. Preparing now is not pessimistic; it is responsible — and it is an act of care for all who will be affected.

In this and future editions, we will explore elements of line-of-duty death that are often overlooked or taken for granted. Many receive little thought — even when it matters most — leaving actions to the impulse of the moment. Our goal is simple: to help leaders be ready for the worst day they hope they never face, and to ensure that when the unthinkable happens, a leader’s response reflects honor, compassion, and thoughtful leadership.

Leadership Through Loss is not intended to tell any leader what he or she “must” do. Rather, it is offered as food for thought — to raise questions, share lessons learned, and encourage thoughtful preparation before tragedy occurs. By considering and discussing these topics now, you can make informed decisions in advance, develop or refine guidelines and expectations, and be better prepared for the decisions you will face if tragedy ever strikes your agency. By deciding in advance what you believe is right for your agency, you can lead with greater confidence, compassion, and consistency when emotions are highest and the margin for error is smallest.

We also recognize that reasonable leaders may see some issues differently. We invite your feedback, questions, and even disagreement, so that future editions can be as useful and relevant as possible.

In this issue, we will emphasize a group of often-overlooked “hidden stakeholders” who will closely watch everything you and your agency do — and do not do — in the wake of a tragedy. We will also examine some nuances of a component many assume needs little forethought: vehicular escorts. Our hope is that these articles help you consider options, make decisions, and establish guidelines now, so that on the hardest day, your response reflects the honor and care your personnel, their families, and your community deserve.

Thank you for your leadership, especially in moments when it is hardest.

Eric Johnson
Executive Director
Supporting Heroes

Questions or feedback? Write us at LeadershipThroughLoss@SupportingHeroes.org