Imagine spending two days surrounded by hundreds of civilians who genuinely appreciate law enforcement families. Picture being greeted, thanked, and honored for your service and sacrifice at every turn. The Breaching the Barricade Conference offers just that – a unique opportunity for active duty law enforcement officers and their families to experience refreshment and encouragement.
The conference features world-class speakers – warriors who have faced the darkest aspects of humanity and endured loss. They share insights and experiences designed to benefit officers and their spouses, providing valuable tools for navigating the challenges of a career in law enforcement.
But it’s not just a conference; it’s a family event. The following day transforms into the Annual Officer Appreciation Day, a tremendous time of refreshment and encouragement for all active duty law enforcement officers and their families! Picture this: numerous children’s bounce houses and slides, crafts, go-carts, BB gun and fishing competitions, canoeing… and that’s just the beginning. The event also includes rifles, pistols, cannons, machine guns and skeet, with all ammunition provided at no cost. Participants can engage in individual shooting and three-man team competitions, knife throwing, tomahawk throwing, battle axe throwing, spear throwing, and archery. An obstacle course culminates in an Ultimate Warrior Competition. There’s even a drive-by shooting competition (airsoft), off-road adventures in hummers and jeeps, helicopter rides, and all the food you can eat.
It sounds too good to be true, right? The skeptical cop might think, “No one does anything like that for nothing… they’re up to something.” But in this case, skepticism is misplaced. Welcome to Indiana, where Governors Eric Holcomb and Mike Pence have issued proclamations for the past six years designating it Peace Officer’s Appreciation Week in the State. Welcome to the Elkhart, Indiana area, home of the 2019 Breaching the Barricade Law Enforcement Conference and the 25th Annual Officer Appreciation Day.
The 2019 Breaching the Barricade Conference, held on Friday, October 18, 2019, featured:
Kris “Tanto” Paronto: A former Army Ranger from the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, and private security contractor. Paronto deployed throughout South America, the Middle East, and North Africa and worked with the US Government’s Global Response Staff, conducting low-profile security in high-threat environments worldwide. He was part of the CIA annex security team that responded to the terrorist attack on the US Special Mission in Benghazi, Libya, on September 11, 2012, helping to save over 20 lives while fighting off terrorists from the CIA Annex for over 13 hours. His story is told in the book 13 Hours, written by Mitchell Zuckoff and his five surviving annex security team members.
Chad and Kathy Robichaux: Chad Robichaux is a former New Orleans area law enforcement officer who served as a Special Operations Force Recon Marine. He served on a JSOC Task Force on eight deployments to Afghanistan in the War on Terror and had a successful career as a Pro MMA Champion. Despite these achievements, Chad faced hardships that nearly destroyed his marriage and family life. Their story offers hope and guidance to overcome challenges as a law enforcement couple. Come hear their story and receive strength and guidance to overcome your greatest challenges as a law enforcement couple.
Other speakers were announced, along with special breakout sessions for spouses.
For more information and registration details click here
All families in attendance received a complimentary copy of Jurisdiction: A Cop and a Pastor Talk About Life, authored by Lt. Jim McNeff (ret.) and Dr. Jon McNeff. This work inspires readers by addressing difficult questions about life, death, and our place in God’s plan. You can meet the authors of Jurisdiction here.
Jim Bontrager is the senior chaplain with the Elkhart Police Department, former United States Marine, and national board member, Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers – USA. He understands the challenges faced by law enforcement and the importance of providing support and encouragement.