Justin Carlisle

In August of 2024, I was injured on duty while trying to take an actively resisting suspect into custody on mental health papers. During the arrest, I tore my bicep and suffered multiple microtears in my rotator cuff. What I thought would be a few months of recovery ended up turning into over nine months before I was finally able to return to full duty.

For those in law enforcement, you know how important extra-duty jobs can be when it comes to supporting your family. Being out of work for that long meant I lost around $1,600 a month in extra income. That's a pretty big hit when it's money your family is used to having. Needless to say, things got tight, and there were times when it was pretty stressful.

I had heard of the War Fund before, but I honestly had no idea just how much they did for injured officers and their families. I never contacted them or asked for anything. They simply heard about my situation and decided to help.

The first time they helped us was about a month before Christmas. Money was already getting tight, and with Christmas right around the corner, their help couldn't have come at a better time. It was a huge blessing to my family, and I was extremely grateful. As far as I knew, that was the end of it.

But about three months later, completely out of the blue, the War Fund stepped in and helped us again. I certainly wasn't expecting it, especially since I had never asked for anything in the first place.

Then, roughly three months after that, they showed up a third time. Again, without a phone call or a request from me. They just showed up.

Looking back, it seemed like every time things started getting a little uncomfortable financially, the War Fund was there. It's hard to explain what that means when you're trying to keep things as normal as possible for your family while dealing with an injury, recovery, and the loss of income. Knowing that someone cared enough to step in and help, without you ever having to ask, meant more than I can really put into words.

After more than nine months, I was finally able to return to full duty, and thankfully, we made it through. I can't thank the War Fund enough for what they did for my family during that time. I don't think they fully realize just how much of a difference they made.

Since then, I've had the opportunity to support the War Fund through my business, Carlisle Laser Engraving. I'll tell you, being able to give back to an organization that was there for my family when we needed it is something that means a lot to me. I've seen firsthand what they do, and I know the difference their support can make.

I hope I never find myself in that situation again, but the reality is that there will always be other officers who get injured and families who find themselves struggling through no fault of their own. If something I donate or contribute through my business helps the War Fund take care of another family the way they took care of mine, I'm happy to be a part of it.

My family and I will always be grateful to the War Fund and everyone who supports them. They were there for us during a difficult time, and they never once waited for us to ask for help.

They just showed up.  Three different times.  And that's something I'll never forget.