Beyond the Badge
Beyond the Badge
Beyond the Badge was founded in 2016 by Baton Rouge resident Linda Hull to recognize law enforcement officers in her community who perform acts of kindness beyond that required by their oaths of service. At a time when there has been so much negative attention directed toward law enforcement in general, Linda’s original vision has evolved into an effort to shine the light on the good done by Louisiana’s law enforcement officers.
All law enforcement officers throughout the state of Louisiana may be nominated for extraordinary acts of kindness. Anyone may nominate a deserving law enforcement officer. Each year in March, Beyond the Badge selects law enforcement officers, who have been nominated by their agencies or the public, to receive a “Heart of Law Enforcement” award in recognition of acts of kindness they performed during the previous calendar year. Awards are given during a special luncheon honoring the recipients. One of our very own employees’ husband, Fred Kimble with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, was an honoree.
Beyond the Badge is operated entirely by citizen volunteers and funded by corporate and private donations. All contributions go directly toward the program. Beyond the Badge is approved as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is registered with the Louisiana Secretary of State. Patty Giovingo of our office serves as a volunteer on the Advisory Board. Our U.S. Attorney has been invited as a special guest each year since the first banquet.