tribute to First resPoNders iNsPires New FouNdAtioN

by amy roberts with photos courtesy project tribute foundation

The work of Project Tribute Foundation is proof that inspiration can strike in unusual ways.

What started as one Oklahoma man’s personal act of protest has transformed into life-saving support for first responders. Jon Beckloff’s silent protest was a tribute that inspired something more.

Galvanized by the ambush and murder of five Dallas police officers in 2016, Beckloff sought to honor those individuals and other fallen first responders whom he believed were too easily overlooked or forgotten.

“My heritage is full of first responders and veterans. It’s a calling that I respect,” Beckloff said.

Following that Texas tragedy, Beckloff was moved to customize his personal Jeep with the names of all U.S. first responders, from canine to police to EMS to military, killed in the line of duty. That eye-catching vehicle sparked many unexpected conversations. Those conversations, in turn, led to the establishment of Bartlesville’s Project Tribute Foundation.

“Forming the nonprofit came from people asking how they could donate as they saw the Jeep out and about,” Beckloff said. “I wanted to create a transparent and impactful method to serve our first responders.”

Founded late in 2020, Project Tribute Foundation focuses on saving lives of both first responders and those they help.

The organization’s mission is simple: supporting first responders by providing life-saving training, equipment, tools and support. The goal is to help every agency in the area, then eventually agencies nationwide.

Project Tribute Foundation’s first effort was to provide tourniquets to local agencies.

“Police are often first on the scene for medical emergencies,” noted Beckloff. “We were able to deploy tourniquets to dozens of agencies. Through our efforts, five victims were able to make it to next level care.”

That initial goal soon shifted to providing a larger kit, which was more cost effective. Finding such efficiencies and paying for equipment directly are avenues the foundation believes can both save more lives and make sure the

Project Tribute merchandise honors first responders and provides funding for mission objectives.

mission is achieved.

“We never actually write a check to the first responders or their agencies. Instead, Tribute Foundation pays for requests directly,” emphasized Beckloff.

The organization considers requests that fall under its mission. Applications are reviewed by the foundation’s business-minded board of directors who receive guidance from an advisory team of first responders. According to Beckloff, funding requests are evaluated on one simple criteria: can the items being requested save a life? Requests might range from self-defense training for police officers to gear such as those tourniquets or perhaps bullet-proof vests. In the future, Beckloff hopes mental health support will become possible through Project Tribute as well.

The challenge to expanding both the offerings and the coverage area, Beckloff noted, is connecting with donors and developing funding.

“It’s been amazing to see how quickly people support what we are doing once they learn what we actually do and how we do it,” said Beckloff, who noted the foundation’s work can be impacted by the existence of fraudulent charities that solicit money without fully using it to benefit first responders.

To accomplish its good works, Project Tribute Foundation welcomes donations and is committed to using 100% of all charitable contributions to uphold the mission. Additionally, wish lists via a vendor such as Amazon let supporters make direct equipment purchas-

By purchasing in bulk, cost saving allow Project Tribute to help more first response agencies.

• TRIBUTE •

from page 23 es to support first responders.

Additionally, merchandise is available from Project Tribute, and, it, too, honors the organization’s commitment to transparency while presenting a threeway opportunity for good. First, the gear honors first responders in a third-person way, removing any impression the wearer is a responder, making it perfect for anyone to wear. Second, the income generated from sales protects the foundation’s charitable contributions, allowing actual donations to completely and exclusively fund the mission. Finally, once the charity’s minimal expenses are covered by merchandise sales, any remaining profits from gear help support requests from first responders.

While much has been accomplished since he first wrapped his Jeep, Beckloff knows there are many more ways to support first responders. He shared that a unique fundraising walk focused on mental health awareness is being considered for fall. This endeavor is one more resource on which the foundation hopes to expand.

More information about Project Tribute Foundation, its merchandise or how to support its mission may be found on the organization’s website at www.projecttribute.com.

For Beckloff, Project Tribute’s work is personal. Ideally, the organization, its mission and its commitment to doing good in a meaningful, transparent way will inspire others to get involved. “I hope that we are able to show our first responders how truly valued and respected they are,” he said.

Tourniquets supplied by Project Tribute have already helped several people.

Project Tribute can also support life-saving training for first responders.

Created to honor first responder, a tribute inspired something more.