Thomas Lemmer has again been invited to instruct at the Breaching the Barricade Conference (BTB). The invitation comprises an unprecedented sixth year that Lemmer will be presenting at BTB. Each year, this premiere conference is uniquely focused on building resilience in meeting the challenges of the policing profession. The conference attracts an amazing lineup of speakers. This year, the other speakers include Lieutenant General Michael Flynn (Ret), Carlos Yanez, Jr. (a heroic inspiration from the Chicago Police Department), Indiana Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith, and Chief Kent Williams (Ret). Lemmer will be presenting yet another new professional engagement course. Titled, “Is it Me? Finishing Well,” the presentation will provide needed inspiration on being proactive across a career in policing. The full-day conference will be held on Friday, 2 October 2026 at the Lerner Theatre in Elkhart, Indiana.
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Finishing Well
In life overall, and with all of its most consequential pursuits, finishing well is no accident. Chance alone will not bring the truest, most honorable, and impactful outcomes. No one gets to stay active in the police profession forever. Staying on course to fully honor a police officer’s oath and finish well takes commitment, dedication, effort, and perseverance.
In his upcoming course, Lemmer identifies three interrelated beacons that help to provide clarity along the way. First, is the need to care. Caring in the sense of wanting to finish well. But also, caring in the sense of a concern for others. Second, is maintaining a full commitment to the police mission. Third, is truly understanding the full depth and meaning held within the question: Who do you serve?
Psychologist Abraham Maslov provided us his insightful theory on the Hierarchy of Needs regarding human behavior and motivation. In policing, there is also a Hierarchy of Service. Within policing, those members who find and faithfully focus on the highest purpose of service are optimally positioned to finish well.
BTB 2026 Information and Registration
The conference will be held on 2 October 2026 at the Lerner Theatre, 410 South Main Street, Elkhart, Indiana 46516. The conference begins at 8:30 am and runs through 5:00 pm (Eastern Time), with a provided (and tasty) lunch. Doors open at 8:00 am (Eastern Time) and the conference program begins promptly at 8:30 am.
The conference continues to be an amazingly low-cost opportunity to receive motivational training with a spouse-friendly approach. Group discount pricing on hotel accommodations are also available. The Staybridge Suites Elkhart North by IHG is the conference hotel. To receive the discount call 574-970-8488 and mention the Breaching the Barricade Conference.
Why THIS Conference IS SPECIAL
For more than three decades. Jim Bontrager has dedicated his professional life and faith-filled ministry skills to the policing profession. He continues to do amazing work that strengthens the policing profession. He is the founder of both the conference and the companion Officer Appreciation Day event. We are pleased to include his conference promotional message. Bontrager’s message help clarify why the conference is such an important event for those dedicated to the policing profession.
Register for the Conference Now
Register now at warrioronthewall.org/breaching-barricade/. Discounted hotel accommodations are available at the Staybridge Suites Elkhart North by IHG. The Breaching the Barricade Conference is an uplifting event for all active and retired law enforcement members who remain committed to our nation’s communities and their profession.
Then on Saturday, 3 October 2026 be certain to stay for the conference’s amazing companion Officer Appreciation Day event. The industry-leading officer wellness event is family-friendly and is held in Sturgis, Michigan. Learn more here.
We are interested in your thoughts, and invite you to comment below.
Sounds like another incredible line up for this year’s conference. Tom’s combination of experience and professionalism always makes for a great presentation.
I really enjoy presenting at this conference. It is always such a great, positive event. Thanks for the positive feedback.