As I share my journey, my purpose is to let grieving parents know they are not alone. I am a Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) survivor and a surviving mother. I lost my son, Officer Ivorie G. Klusmann, who was killed in the line of duty on August 10, 2013, in DeKalb County, Georgia. His loss was devastating to me and our entire family.
When the news came, there was no gentle knock — just blue lights flashing through our windows, shattering our world. The shock and heartbreak were beyond words. Ivorie left behind two sons, six siblings and his loving parents. He was known for his radiant, million-dollar smile and a personality that lit up every room. People loved him — even those he pulled over. His dedication to his role as a police officer was unwavering, and he took great pride in serving his community. Ivorie served alongside his younger brother, Elisha Blue. They were inseparable on the force — brothers in life and in service. Their bond was something special.
After our lives were shattered, I traveled to Washington, D.C., for National Police Week to honor my son among other fallen heroes. I don’t remember much from that time because I was still deep in grief, but I do remember how fantastic the experience was — and how C.O.P.S. helped carry me through my pain.
I met Mr. Roger from C.O.P.S., who encouraged me to attend the Parents Weekend. When I first attended in 2013, I was overwhelmed with pain and heartbreak. I didn’t know what to expect. I saw other parents grieving — some crying, some laughing — and I honestly did not want to be there. I felt like no one truly understood my pain.
But by the end of that weekend, I felt surrounded by love from parents who knew exactly what I was feeling. It was powerful to connect with people who understood the unique pain of losing a child in the line of duty — especially when you still have other children and, without realizing it, you’ve shut them out. C.O.P.S. helped me begin putting my family back together…