Retired Las Vegas police Lt. Randy Sutton founded The Wounded Blue, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting injured and disabled law enforcement officers, after experiencing a career-ending stroke himself.
The organization, which operates with the motto "Never Forgotten. Never Alone," has assisted more than 17,000 officers across the country over the past eight years by offering peer support, advocacy, and essential resources.
Sutton, who served 34 years in law enforcement, said his own experience with a debilitating stroke led him to realize the lack of national support systems for officers facing similar challenges. "I lost my career. I lost my identity," Sutton told Fox News Digital. "I realized at that point this is a national issue and there was no national resource for these men and women. So I created it."
The peer support team at The Wounded Blue is comprised entirely of officers who have survived severe injuries such as shootings, stabbings, accidents, and the psychological trauma of post-traumatic stress.
One notable case involved a Utah police officer who lost a leg after being hit by a drunk driver. The officer's department reportedly abandoned him, leaving him with a damaged prosthetic. Through an anonymous donor, The Wounded Blue facilitated the purchase of a new, advanced prosthetic leg costing over $117,000. Additionally, the organization and its partners renovated the officer's home to accommodate his family, who had adopted two children with special needs.
In another instance, a Texas police officer suffered a severe spinal injury during a suspect struggle. After 16 unsuccessful surgeries, doctors stated he would never walk again. The Wounded Blue initially provided a wheelchair and later connected the officer with a renowned spinal surgeon, enabling him to walk again and dance at his daughter's wedding.
Sutton recently traveled to Mississippi to support a deputy critically wounded by an AK-47 round. He expressed a desire for The Wounded Blue to have the resources to be present at the bedside of every severely injured officer.
Beyond direct support, the nonprofit hosts an annual National Law Enforcement Survival Summit, which brings together officers and their spouses to focus on recovery, mental health, and life after law enforcement.
The Wounded Blue encourages public support through its "9-1-1 Campaign," asking for monthly donations of $9.11. Businesses can also partner with the organization, and officers in need are urged to contact The Wounded Blue directly for assistance.