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  • Board Members
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It’s almost here!

The date is approaching fast and we’re making preparations. Don’t miss out!

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thin blue line ball - April 18, 2026

History

The Thin Blue Line Ball was started in 2015 by America's Defenders Foundation Founders Mike and Lailani Rumfield. Then President of the Collin County Deputies Association Mike attended Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Goforth's funeral earlier that year. Upon returning to North Texas an emotional conversation with Lailani inspired them to organize the first Thin Blue Line Ball hosted at Rock Creek Ranch in McKinney. The intention then and the continued intention today is to honor the officers that have made the ultimate sacrifice while honoring and celebrating the active officers of today. The Ball was a hit with an attendance of over 125 officers and spouses. Due to the need for quick planning many agencies didn't know the ball was occurring. Mike and Lailani received many messages and emails expressing the desire to attend the next ball.

The Thin Blue Line Ball consists of an honor guard presentation, ceremonies, key note speaker, dinner, and entertainment. In 2017 we introduced the "Spartan Award" that will be awarded to a law enforcement officer who performed distinctly and honorably during situations of great difficulty. In the unfortunate circumstance the awarded officer fell during the engagement the Spartan Award will be given posthumously to the family. The fine details of the event will be withheld as this is an event of celebration and honor for those in our community that sacrifice everyday of their lives for the well being of America. This event also allows America's Defenders Foundation to raise funds through corporate sponsorships, private sponsorships, raffle, and silent auction to accomplish our mission during the year to help as many disabled veterans and law enforcement families as possible.

Traditionally, this event has been closed to non-law enforcement individuals for the intimate and emotional reasons the Ball exists to begin with. As this event grows and as societies opinion in general changes against law enforcement it was realized we need to allow the opportunity for companies and individuals to show their support for our sheepdogs. We feel the experience the corporate donors will get by being exposed to how we feel about each other during an event like this is so impacting it had to be shared. Law enforcement supporters will walk away from the Thin Blue Line Ball with a new appreciation of the law enforcement community and never forget what they experience that evening. Never!


For more information about the ball, hotel information, and ticket purchasing please click on the Thin Blue Line Ball logo at the top of the page.


America's Defenders Foundation is a recognized 501 c(3) organization so donations and/or sponsorships are tax deductible. If you are interested in exploring more information about a possible sponsorship opportunity, please email us at Americasdef@gmail.com. We are accepting sponsorships for the 2024 Ball now and early sponsorship opportunities are available.

Click above for more information and tickets.

TOP thin blue line ball sponsors

Title Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor Allen at the Event Center

Platinum Sponsor

GameOn Productions

They take care of our TBLB event production!

Challenge Coin Sponsor

Royalty Sponsor

Royalty Sponsor

Royalty Sponsor

FOR MORE INFO PLEASE SEE BELOW

TO SEE MORE INFORMATION AND SPONSORS FOR THE THIN BLUE LINE BALL PLEASE CLICK THE LOGO.

spartan award RECIPIENTS

2016

2016

2016

  • Sgt. Michael Smith - Dallas PD, TX
  • Sr. Cpl. Lorne Ahrens - Dallas PD, TX
  • Ofc. Patrick Zamarripa - Dallas PD, TX
  • Ofc. Michael Krol - Dallas PD, TX
  • Ofc. Brent Thompson - DART PD, TX

2017

2016

2016

  • Det. Jerry Walker - Little Elm PD, TX

2018

2016

2018

  • Matthew Pearce - Ft. Worth PD, TX

2019

2019

2018

  • Ofc. David Sherrard - Richardson PD, TX
  • Ofc. Ann Carrizales - Stafford PD, TX

2020

2019

2020

  • Honorary Ofc. Abigail Arias - Freeport PD, TX

2021

2019

2020

  • Ofc. Urbano Rodriguez - Denton PD, TX
  • Ofc. Bradley Fox - Plymouth Township PD, PA

2022

2022

2022

  •  Ofc. Misty McBride - DART PD, TX

2023

2022

2022

  • Det. Kevin Lopez - Plano PD (Ret), TX
  • Det. Justin Ellis - DART PD, TX

2024

2022

2024

  • Ofc. Daniel Coyle - NYPD (Ret.), NY
  • "Threat Reduction Specialists - Allen PD, TX

2025

2025

2024

  • Ofc. Cooper Dawson - Greenville  PD, TX
  • Cpl Tye Simcox - Colorado State Patrol, CO

2026

2025

2026

  • TBD

America's Defenders Foundation

P.O. Box 6127 McKinney, TX 75071

(214) 914-3166

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