Donation Summary: Sgt. Lee Sorensen

Officer Eric Estrada was killed in the line of duty on August 17, 2025, at age 31. He and Sergeant Lee Sorensen were responding to 911 hang-up calls when they were ambushed and shot by a suspect who was later arrested.

TFC Ricks died on August 13, nearly four days after being struck by a vehicle while performing a traffic stop in Orangeburg County.

The 𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 will be hosted at The Cloud Room on Friday, August 15, 5:00-7:30 pm with special guests 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗝𝗶𝗺 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻 and 𝗢𝗺𝗮𝗵𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗿 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗪. 𝗘𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗝𝗿.

Undersheriff Brandon Gaede was shot and killed while arresting a subject at 899 1st Street in Phillipsburg around 9:28 p.m.

Of all the organizations that reached out—and there were many—Give Blue Hope was the only one that acted immediately and asked for nothing in return. That moment ignited a fire in me.

The Fallen Officer: Trooper Kyle McAcy, 31, was responding with other troopers to a crash on Interstate 80 near mile marker 424, between Ashland and Greenwood. During that response, Trooper McAcy was outside his patrol unit and was struck by a snowplow. The Circumstance: "Our NSP family is devastated today,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Kyle was a dedicated trooper, a devoted public servant, and most importantly a good friend to many in Omaha and beyond. His loss is being felt by countless people. Please keep his family, friends, colleagues, and community in your hearts as they deal with this unimaginable loss.” "He was always so excited to talk about what he was doing as a trooper, you know, like, you can just tell when people love what they do," said McAcy's former homeroom teacher at Millard West, Tim Royers. Trooper McAcy, 31, was a ten-year veteran of the Nebraska State Patrol. He was a graduate of Camp 56 and wore badge #302. Trooper McAcy has served in the Patrol Division, Carrier Enforcement, and as a Crisis Negotiator. He was stationed in Omaha. Mission Accomplished: "Yesterday, I was able to attend the funeral of Nebraska Trooper McAcy, badge #302. Afterward, I was blessed to present a card and charitable gift of money to the Trooper McAcy's fiancée. Because of the generous donations from people across the country, this was possible. If you don't think that a small generous donation doesn't matter, the thank you and hug from Trooper McAcy's fiancée was validation that it does."

The Fallen Officer: Deputy Sheriff Hector Cuevas, 36, was killed on March 17th, 2025 when his patrol car struck a pole at the intersection of El Evado and Seneca roads just before 11 a.m. The Circumstance: Deputy Cuevas was in pursuit of a stolen vehicle that had been reported to the department just minutes earlier. During the high-speed chase, Deputy Sheriff Cuevas' vehicle collided with another car and then a nearby power pole. The impact of the crash split the patrol vehicle in half, critically injuring Deputy Sheriff Cuevas. Although first responders rushed to administer aid, he passed away at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. “He was a cop’s cop,” Sheriff Shannon Dicus shared. “The kind of law enforcement officer we all strive to be — a man who could engage with a hardened gang member one moment and reassure a frightened child the next.”  Hector’s dedication extended beyond the badge. He was an active member of his church and a beloved football coach in Rialto, having mentored young athletes at Carter High School. He also played for the San Bernardino Spartans, a team of local law enforcement and firefighters. Deputy Sheriff Cuevas had served with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for six years. He is survived by his wife, two children, his parents, and his brother and sister. Mission Accomplished: "I had the privilege to represent Give Blue Hope by showing support and attending the services for San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr. Deputy Cuevas was killed during a vehicle pursuit in Victorville, California. What a beautiful tribute to a true warrior. Deputy Cuevas' mother spoke and gave a beautiful message and the blunt truth about the potential loss when we walk out the door and not knowing if you will come home. With the wonderful donations, Give Blue Hope was able to provide a small charitable gift to the family. 💙🙏"

The Fallen Officer: Officer Jeremy LaBonte, 24, was shot and killed while responding to a suspicious person reported at a shopping center at 1425 Market Blvd in Roswell around 7:15 p.m. The Circumstance: Officer LaBonte found the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Edward Espinoza, in the parking lot near the ACE Pickleball Club. According to police, Espinoza shot Labonte multiple times. He encountered Officer Labonte responding to the scene and spoke to the officer for a few seconds, then drew a handgun and shot him twice. "At that point the defendant walks carefully around, leaning over and fires more than a dozen shots into the fallen officer," the prosecution said. "He leaves the gun there and then he runs away with his arms held high." They also alleged that when Espinoza was arrested on Feb. 7, he gave a lucid interview with police and acknowledged shooting Officer Labonte. They further said he had used a so-called " ghost gun," one without a serial number, in the shooting. "If he can find and purchase that kind of thing on the internet, he doesn't need to be released, he's got the mental capacity to handle the Fulton County Jail," the prosecution said. “We join them, his fellow Roswell PD, and all law enforcement in mourning this sudden and heartbreaking loss, and we ask all Georgians to join us in keeping them in your thoughts and prayers,” Gov. Brian Kemp said in a statement. “We also ask that we remain mindful of the heavy sacrifices law enforcement and their families make to keep all of us safe each and every day. May this courageous man’s memory inspire all of us in the days, weeks, and years ahead.” Officer Labonte had served with the Roswell Police Department for over three years. He is survived by his wife, son, parents, two sisters, nephew, and grandparents. Labonte’s wife told Atlanta News First that he was killed four days before going on vacation. She also said the pair met in middle school. Mission Accomplished: Upon hearing about the tragic line of duty death of Officer LaBonte, Give Blue Hope reached out to the Roswell Police Department. Give Blue hope was privileged in providing the family a charitable gift of money. Rest in peace, Officer LaBonte, your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sergeant Elio Diaz, 40, was shot and killed during a traffic stop at 4968 Tamiami Trail in Charlotte Harbor.