CHARLESTON – Like so many others, Charleston attorney Rusty Webb is heartbroken over last week’s on-duty death of Charleston Police Officer Cassie Johnson.
So, Webb is selling shirts and hats to benefit Johnson’s family and other police officer charities.
“When I learned of the tragic death of Patrolman Johnson, I wanted to do something to help,” Webb told The West Virginia Record. “Years ago, I started a nonprofit called Thumbs Up For West Virginia Law Enforcement. It was right after two officers were killed in Wallback back in 2012.”
Webb
In that incident, State Police Cpl. Marshall Lee Bailey and Trooper Eric Michael Workman were shot and killed in Clay County after stopping a vehicle for reckless driving.
After that 2012 incident, Webb said he found himself giving the thumbs up sign to police officers he saw in traffic as a way to show support.
That’s also when Webb created the Thumbs Up nonprofit with the idea of selling t-shirt and hats with the logo on it – as well as logos for different police agencies – and donating proceeds for college scholarships of children of fallen police officers. The following year, the state Legislature passed a bill giving those children a full ride to any state college.
Being “a big apparel guy,” Webb had some shirts and hats with the Thumbs Up logo on them. But with the bill providing scholarships, the items were just sitting on a shelf.
Webb thought of that apparel last week and thought it would be a good way to help Johnson’s family.
“I decided I would add her retired badge number of 146 to the apparel,” he said. “They’re adding that at T-Graphics right now. It will be on one side of the ball caps and on the sleeves of the shirts.
“The back of the shirts say, ‘I Got Your 6.’ If you know law enforcement, you know that means ‘I’ve got your back.’”
As soon as the shirts and hats are back are finished, Webb will have them available at his law office at 716 Lee Street in Charleston.
“Anyone who wants something can make a donation to a legitimate fundraiser, including the GoFundMe set up for Patrolman Johnson’s family,” Webb said. “They can make the donation on the spot online, or they can make out a check to the organization and I’ll mail it in for them.”
Webb stressed that all proceeds will go directly to the agencies or fundraisers. He also said he'll match all funds raised to make a donation as well.
“It’s just my small way of using that concept I developed to help somebody,” he said. “I feel extremely passionate about law enforcement, first responders and military. It’s just something I’ve always felt strongly about. These are people we need to honor and protect.
“Everything about Patrolman Johnson’s death is tragic. I’m just doing my part to help. I just have these materials and resources to help get donations.”
At Webb’s office, he flies flags to commemorate different events. This week, he said he is flying the American flag and a Thin Blue Line at half-staff to honor Johnson as well.
For more information, contact The Webb Law Centre at 304-344-WEBB (9322), email at rusty@rustywebb.com or on Facebook.
