IL Quad Cities L.E.A.D.
IL Quad Cities L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Appreciation Day) is a nonprofit organization founded to honor and uplift the men and women who serve our communities in law enforcement throughout the Illinois Quad Cities region. Rooted in gratitude and community support, our work begins with the debut of our first annual golf outing—an unforgettable day dedicated to giving back to those who give so much.
IL Quad Cities L.E.A.D. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to honoring our local law enforcement officers who protect and serve our communities. Our event is a special opportunity for us to give back to show our deep appreciation and recognize them as the “Champions of our Streets and the Heroes of our Hearts”
Who we are
Our Mission
Our mission is to express gratitude to these men & women for their commitment to public safety, strengthen community ties, & recognize the sacrifices they make to keep us safe.
Our Vision
Our Law Enforcement Appreciation Day events are meant to celebrate our officers with a day filled with camaraderie and fun.
Our Partners
Testimonials
Gayla Rummans
“A day where they could relax and weren’t constantly on guard or having to watch their six.”
Ray Sartler - Co-founder of Back the Badge
“My name is Ray. In 2016, and with the help of a number of volunteers, we were able to launch our Back the Badge - Law Enforcement Appreciation Day event. That first year, we had 100 people attend, 82 of which were officers. We were honored to find a new way to support our local officers from SE Wisconsin.
Since that first event, we have received numerous positive responses from our LEOs and a number of donors. We have been honored to hold it annually, and have averaged nearly 130 officers every year. Along with that, we have also been able to donate over $150,000 to our chosen beneficiary, Band of Blue, which uses that money to provide lasting support for families of fallen officers.
I had always hoped that something like this could be done in other places/states. Thanks to Gayla and Steve, there is now an opportunity for more LEOs in another area and that is amazing.”
Lt. Tony Rummans - Peoria Police Department
As a 20-year law enforcement veteran, its so refreshing to see an organization support the law enforcement community without an ulterior motive. The people that run this organization are parents of active law enforcement officers. This Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is an opportunity for my brothers and sisters in blue to relax, be themselves, have fun, and hang out with each other. No media, no community organizers, no nonsense. I’d like to give a heartfelt thank you to the people running this organization and look forward to attending for many years to come.
Steve Rummans
“Our organization is dedicated to honoring those we lovingly call ‘Champions of our Streets and Heroes of our Hearts.’”
As we launch the first year of IL Quad Cities L.E.A.D.—inspired by the impactful Back the Badge event in Waterford, Wisconsin—we are committed to giving our local officers a day they’ll never forget. Your generosity helps make this possible.
Online donations will be available soon. In the meantime, thank you for your interest and support as we work behind the scenes to get everything set up!
Support our growth
Contact Us
Have a question or want to learn more about how you can get involved? Fill out the contact form below, and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly.
