I Love LEOS provides assistance to law enforcement officers

Niwot resident Gil Gilmore saw a need in the community, and took action. Now 13 years of age, the homeschooled eighth-grader was only nine years old in 2020 when he noticed "there was a lot of hate towards law enforcement," he said.

"We didn't think that was okay" he said, speaking of himself and his mother, Susan Gilmore, He acknowledged that there were incidents which garnered much negative national publicity toward police officers, but he felt it was unfair to lump all law enforcement officers under the same umbrella.

Then the King Soopers mass shooting happened in Boulder on March 22, 2021. Gil and his mother were moved not only by the loss of innocent lives, but also by the death of police officer Eric Talley. So they took action, standing outside the murder scene until after midnight holding signs of support for the law enforcement officers who at that time were investigating the scene.

After the shooting, Gil and his mother continued to show their support for police officers every day for months. "We went down to the police department in Boulder and stood outside holding signs letting them know we love them," he said. "We stood outside by the back fence where they were coming out."

Eventually they got to know some of the officers, who let them know how much their support was appreciated. "We decided to start a non-profit," he said, "They took us under their wing, and we got to know them personally."

On July 21, 2022, I Love LEOS was formed by the then 11-year old, with the name describing the organization's mission of loving law enforcement officers in various ways, from distribution of funds to help officers in emergency situations, to assisting law enforcement families in times of need such as unexpected medical expenses, to doing good deeds for officers and their families, to sponsoring community events to tell the stories of law enforcement officers.

To date, activities have included delivering lunch and dinner to victims and witnesses during the King Soopers shooter's trial, and an upcoming plan to deliver dinner to officers on Valentine's Day. Last week, I Love LEOS was recognized by the Boulder County District Attorney's office for helping during the trial of the King Soopers shooter. The food was provided by Seth Steele and Niwot Market, who were also recognized by the DA's office for their contributions and generous pricing.

Susan Gilmore, who serves on the board of directors with their neighbor Brooke Moulton, Boulder County Sheriff's Deputy Melinda Weber, and High Plains Bank officer Lisa Hamilton, said, "We just need to get the word out." Gil noted that Moulton, a graphic designer, has created a logo for the organization. "[Lisa Hamilton] has been very supportive," he said. "The bank provided food for our launch party."

Gil has more plans, including improvements to the website www.iloveleaos.org, a social media presence and a newsletter. A fundraiser at The Local Drive, an indoor golf facility in Longmont, is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 7, from 2 -8 p.m. to provide information about I Love LEOS.

Susan said of the organization's efforts, "It makes you compassionate when there are bumps in the road." Speaking of her son Gil, whose grandfather was a law enforcement officer, she said, "He just wants to serve."

Recently, Guys Who Give, a group whose members support non-profit charitable efforts, made a $10,800 donation to I Love LEOS, thanks to the efforts of Greg Anderson and Justin Livingston. Anderson said, "Gil will be presenting at the Guys Who Give first quarter meeting on Feb. 12 at The Louisville Underground at 6 p.m. He'll talk about the organization and how the donation will be used."