My Journey with the Badge Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to archiving and sharing the firsthand stories of retired law enforcement officers across America.
After decades of service, law enforcement officers carry with them experiences that shaped not only their own lives, but the communities they protected and served. These stories represent an irreplaceable part of our collective history — one that deserves to be preserved, understood, and passed on.
The My Journey with the Badge Foundation documents these personal and professional journeys through recorded interviews, historical archiving, and public educational media. Every episode is a permanent record — ensuring that the lessons, sacrifices, and humanity behind the badge are never lost to time.
We believe every officer's story deserves to be told. Whether it was a single defining moment, a lifetime of service, or the quiet courage it took to show up every day — these voices matter, and we are here to preserve them.
Jason Cates began his law enforcement career with the Oak Brook, Illinois Police Department in 1992, serving for nearly three decades and rising through the ranks to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and ultimately Deputy Chief before retiring in 2021.
A United States Marine Corps veteran, Jason understands firsthand the identity, purpose, and camaraderie that comes with a life of service — and the challenges that arise when that chapter closes.
After retirement, Jason founded My Journey with the Badge to give officers a platform to share their stories, process their experiences, and leave a lasting record for future generations. He conducts all interviews personally, selecting officers through word of mouth and community nominations.
Whether you want to share your story, support our work, or simply follow along — every action helps preserve these voices for generations to come.