Culver-Stockton 2026 Fallen Officer Project Surpasses Fundraising Goal

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CANTON, Mo. — Culver-Stockton College’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 Culver-Stockton College 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 Culver-Stockton College Center for Public Safety and Chair of the Criminal Justice Department, talking with students at the 2026 Fallen Officer Project’s pickleball tournament.