Field of Flags to honor law enforcement, recognize PTSD

It’s been 23 years since Grand Meadow police officer Jason Meyer lost his life in the line of duty in a crash on Labor Day.

Previously the Jason Meyer Scholarship Fund, now the Jason Meyer Memorial Fund has started this year to recognize law enforcement officers, firefighters, first responders, paramedics and military members.

One of the big fundraisers that will take place on Labor Day this year is the Field of Flags. It will honor Meyer and all first responders to bring awareness to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for these frontline workers.

“Labor Day is just kind of a holiday that you reflect on and that’s always been a difficult day for our family for 23 years. In law enforcement itself, I think it brings about the symbol of flags,” Jenny Czapiewski, Meyer’s sister, said.

The field of 100 flags will be displayed by Matt’s Body Shop in Spring Valley with a small gathering around noon on Sept. 5 for the family and community.

Between now and then, you can purchase a flag for $30 in memory of someone. The flags will be put up on Labor Day and will stay up through Sept. 11.

To make a payment for a flag in memory of a loved one, use the secure Venmo business account @JasonMeyerMemorialFund. The cost is $30 for a flag and a message card. For an additional $5, you can purchase a ribbon of color that indicates law enforcement, first responders, federal agents, firefighters, dispatchers, or all EMS. You may also click the “donate” button on the Jason Meyer Memorial Fund Facebook page.