National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

In Memory of K-9 Maggie Sheridan, Louisa County (VA) Sheriff's Office

2012-01-25T13:22:00.003-05:00

In December 2011, K-9 Maggie Sheridan, an American Kennel Club registered black and tan Bloodhound of the Louisa County (VA) Sheriff's Office, was killed while tracking a suicidal subject. As she neared the suspect's home, a pit bull attacked and bit her; she later died as a result of an infection from the bites.

Maggie's handler, Lt. Patrick Sheridan said, "Maggie was a gem. It takes a lot of training and the right handler, but the results and the benefits of that are just priceless."

According to The Charlottesville NewsPlex, Maggie worked a total of 348 cases in her career. Below is a special tribute video in Maggie's honor.

K9 Maggie from Richard MacDonald on Vimeo.

Visit the tribute page devoted to Maggie on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/In-Memory-of-LCSO-K-9-Maggie/252842458111355

Six Law Enforcement Officers Shot & Killed in Seven Days

2012-01-06T13:56:00.000-05:00

The past week has been especially deadly for law enforcement with seven officers killed while on duty, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Firearms-related fatalities account for six of these seven fatalities, as armed and dangerous criminals continue to target law enforcement officers.

Sergeant Abimael Castro-Berrocales of the Puerto Rico Police Department was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop, and Park Ranger Margaret Anderson of the U.S. Department of the Interior - National Park Service, was shot and killed while attempting to stop a fleeing suspect. The third, Ogden (UT) Police Officer Jared Francom, was fatally shot while serving a drug-related warrant on January 4. Five other officers were shot in the Ogden incident and are currently in critical to stable condition.

Last night, Memorial Fund Chairman & CEO, Craig W. Floyd appeared on ABC World News to discuss the disturbing increase in firearms-related law enforcement fatalities.

video platform video management video solutions video player

“Our law enforcement officers are being asked to do more with less and we must provide them the necessary tools to do their jobs effectively and safely,” said Mr. Floyd. “And we need a tougher criminal justice system that will protect our country’s citizens, including our peace officers, who have become visible and vulnerable targets for criminals,” he added.

In 2011, 177 law enforcement officers died were killed—a 16 percent increase over the 153 officer fatalities in 2010 and an astounding 45 percent increase over the 122 officer fatalities in 2009. Seventy-one of the fatalities in 2011 were firearms-related incidents, a 20 percent increase over the 59 firearms-related fatalities in 2010.

A Closer Look: Traffic-related Law Enforcement Fatalities

2011-12-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

For the past 13 years, traffic-related incidents have been the highest cause of law enforcement fatalities. As of December 14, 2011, traffic-related law enforcement fatalities are down 16% from the same time in 2010.

Seventy law enforcement officers died in traffic-related incidents in 2010, with 49 killed in automobile crashes, 14 struck and killed, six officers killed in motorcycle crashes and one officer killed in a bicycle crash.

So far in 2011, there have been 42 officers have been killed in automobile crashes, nine officers struck and killed, seven killed in motorcycle crashes and two killed when a train struck their vehicle.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund will issue its annual Preliminary Law Enforcement Fatality Research Bulletin on December 28, 2011, which will contain more detailed information about traffic-related fatalities and all law enforcement fatalities.

This blog is part of a series highlighting the risks law enforcement officers face on the road, as part of an innovative partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to promote law enforcement officer safety on the roadways.

Remembering Robert Gordon

2011-12-02T12:35:00.000-05:00

Craig Floyd presents Mr. Gordon
with the Lifetime Achievement Award in May 2011.

Today, the Memorial Fund mourns the loss of its close friend and Board Member, Robert Gordon.

Robert (Bob) Gordon was a Founding Board Member of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. During his 27 years with the organization, he served as an original member of the Names and Officer of the Month Committees.

Mr. Gordon served the law enforcement community with distinction for nearly 60 years, starting with his appointment to the Freeport (NY) Police Department in 1952. He was a longtime police labor union leader and lobbyist and the Secretary Treasurer of the United Federation of Police.

Earlier this year, Memorial Fund Chairman & CEO, Craig W. Floyd presented Mr. Gordon with a Lifetime Achievement Award, for his leadership and dedication to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

Mr. Gordon will be greatly missed; condolences to his family.

2011-11-17T17:24:00.000-05:00

Police Lieutenant Colonel Somprab, Chief of Kota Baru Police Station in Thailand, took the time to visit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial earlier this week in Washington, DC.

Memorial Fund Chairman & CEO, Craig W. Floyd, guided Lt. Somprab through the Memorial, telling the history of how it was created and highlighting the construction of the National Law Enforcement Museum, right across the street from the Memorial.

At the conclusion of the tour, Mr. Floyd and Lt. Somprab did an etching of Fred Morrone’s name, located on Panel: 10-W: 23 of the Memorial’s walls. Superintendent of the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey, Fred Morrone was killed ten years ago during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Lt. Somprab was moved by Fred Morrone’s heroism and plans to frame the etching in his office upon his return to Thailand.

Remembering America's Military Veterans

2011-11-11T10:25:00.000-05:00

Today, the nation pauses to remember and honor its military veterans.

When it comes to honoring and remembering the fallen, nobody does it better than the military and law enforcement. The names of 30 brave men and women killed in the line of duty while serving as law enforcement officers, abroad and at home, are engraved on the marble walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

The line between law enforcement and military service is often blurred. Many veterans of foreign wars turn to policing when they come home. Many police officers are military reservists.

This Veteran's Day, leave a tribute to recognize all the countless contributions military and law enforcement officers make each day to protect our country and ensure our freedom.

An inscription on the Memorial sums up the meaning of the heroic and selfless deeds performed by law enforcement and military professionals. It reads: In Valor There is Hope. As long as there are men and women among us who are willing to put their lives at risk for our freedom and safety, there is indeed great hope for the future of our nation and our world.

Honorary Chairman, Clint Eastwood tours the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

2011-11-09T14:57:00.001-05:00

Early this morning, legendary actor and director Clint Eastwood toured the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. As Honorary Chairman of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and the National Law Enforcement Museum, Mr. Eastwood helps raise public awareness and support for the Memorial and Museum with an informative PSA campaign.

Mr. Eastwood was in town to premiere his new movie, J. Edgar, which examines the compelling life of the first FBI Director, J. Edgar Hoover, portrayed by actor Leonardo DiCaprio. The National Law Enforcement Museum and Warner Bros. co-hosted the film’s DC debut at the Newseum. An event recap and photos are available at http://lawenforcementmuseum.blogspot.com/.

During the tour of the Memorial, Mr. Eastwood was shown Panel: 34-W: 20, which contains the name of Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alan G. Whicher. Asst. SAIC Whicher’s entire protective detail shift was filmed for three months as part of the 1993 movie, In the Line of Fire, starting Mr. Eastwood. Tragically, SAIC Whicher was killed in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, OK on April 19, 1995. Along with an etching of SAIC Whicher’s name, Mr. Eastwood was presented with a bronze lion statue to take home with him, as a token of appreciation for his support and dedication to the law enforcement community.

Head of the Iraqi Police Service Visit National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

2011-11-03T10:59:00.000-04:00

Last week, Deputy Minister Aydin, head of the Iraqi Police Service toured the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. Memorial Fund Chairman & CEO, Craig W. Floyd, showed him panels 9-W to 22-W, where the names of 72 officers killed on September 11, 2001 are engraved. Deputy Minister Aydin laid a rose to honor their service and sacrifice.

Deputy Minister Aydin is a law enforcement officer and head of the Iraqi Police Service, which has 300,000 uniformed officers and is the largest police force in Iraq. Three years ago, Honorable Jawad Karim al Bulani, Iraqi Minister of the Interior, visited the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial to lay a ceremonial wreath in honor of all law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

At that time, he remarked that approximately 12,000 Iraqi police and security officers have died in the line of duty. Sadly, Deputy Minister Aydin shared that figure had grown to over 19,000 officers killed since 2003.

Memorial’s 20th Anniversary Gala

2011-10-14T12:18:00.008-04:00

Bird's eye view of the Color Guard entering the 20th Anniversary Gala

Guests celebrated 20 years of honoring America’s law enforcement officers—especially the fallen heroes—at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial’s 20th Anniversary Gala on Wednesday evening, October 12, in Washington, DC. All proceeds from the Gala benefit the National Law Enforcement Museum. The Honorable Michael Chertoff, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, served as Chair of the star-studded event. Actor Richard Belzer of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies. Also joining the celebration was actor and National Law Enforcement Museum National Spokesperson, Vincent D’Onofrio, who welcomed guests and introduced the event.

Other special moments from the evening included a video tribute from former President George H.W. Bush, who dedicated the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial 20 years ago, and now serves as Co-Chair of the National Honorary Campaign Committee of the National Law Enforcement Museum, along with former President Bill Clinton. Actor, director, and producer, Clint Eastwood, who serves as Honorary Chairman of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and National Law Enforcement Museum, also shared some encouraging words of support for the Museum via video.

Stirring musical tributes from singer Daniel Rodriguez, Pipe Major Steve Butterbrodt of the Port Authority of NY/NJ Police Department Pipe & Drums, and Officer Chris Jackson (ret.) of the Metropolitan Police Department of DC, were beautiful parts of the celebration. Linda Moon Gregory, National President of Concerns of Police Survivor, Pat Montuore, Police Unity Tour Founder and CEO, and Barb Lyons, Police Unity Tour participant and mother of fallen Oregon State Trooper Scott Lyons, also shared touching remarks.

Dick Wolf, of Law & Order fame, received the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund's 2011 “Distinguished Service Award. The evening included a 20th Anniversary Memorial and Museum video tribute produced by A&E Television, that beautifully captured the meaning and essence of the Memorial and upcoming Museum.

The event offered one of the first glimpses of the upcoming Museum’s Hall of Remembrance, an exhibit designed to tell the stories behind the names currently inscribed on the national monument dedicated to America’s fallen law enforcement officers. It was a wonderful way to raise money for the Museum and recognize American law enforcement for their role in upholding the ideals of the U.S. Constitution.

Additionally, the announcement of a $2 million dollar gift to the National Law Enforcement Museum was made at the Memorial’s 20th Anniversary Gala. The gift from GLOCK, Inc. will be used to develop an educational and interactive exhibit at the National Law Enforcement Museum called The History Beat. GLOCK is a global manufacturer of pistols and accessories and is the pistol of choice for over 65% of American law enforcement agencies.

14th Annual Canadian Police and Peace Officers' Memorial Day

2011-09-28T13:09:00.001-04:00

On September 25, 2011, thousands of police officers converged on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada for the 14th Annual Police and Peace Officers' Memorial Day.

In 1998, the Canadian Government declared the last Sunday of every September as Canadian Police and Peace Officers' Memorial Day. The Memorial service is similar to our May 15th National Peace Officers Memorial Day, celebrated each year in the United States during National Police Week.

Four officers killed in 2010 and 2011 were honored at this service:

Constable Garrett Styles, York Regional Police
Sergeant Ryan J. Russell, Toronto Police
Constable Sébastien Coghlan-Goyette, Sûreté du Québec
Constable Michael B. Potvin, Royal Canadian Mounted Police

According to a statement from Public Safety Minister Vic Toews, "The Canadian Police and Peace Officers' Annual Memorial Service gives Canadians an opportunity to formally express their appreciation for the dedication of police and peace officers, who contribute so much to keeping our communities safe and to those who have paid the ultimate price."

The Canadian Memorial now contains the names of over 800 fallen officers. A total of 51 names were added to the Memorial in 2011, including the four officers listed above and the names of 47 officers from historical cases, with 43 of those officers from the Province of Quebec.

More information about the Canadian Police Memorial is available at: http://www.cacp.ca.

http://uspolitics.einnews.com/pr-news/541996-media-advisory-governor-general-to-attend-the-canadian-police-and-peace-officers-34th-annual-memorial-service
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2011/09/25/ott-police-memorial.html
http://ottawa.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110925/OTT_police_ceremony_110925/20110925/?hub=OttawaHome

Photograph by: Arlen Redekop, PNG
http://www.vancouversun.com/life/news/5456192/story.html?tab=PHOTO

Why I'm Running: Detective Gene Fox

2011-09-15T12:47:00.000-04:00

In about a month, Detective Gene Fox will make the long journey from the state of Texas to Washington, DC to participate in the Law Enforcement Ride & Run to Remember on October 16, 2011. Watch the video below to hear why Det. Fox decided to participate in this event and why you should join him in honoring all of America's law enforcement heroes by registering for the Ride & Run today.

Ten Years After The Terrorist Attacks Of September 11, 2001

2011-09-09T12:43:00.001-04:00

Today, at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, we honored the 72 American peace officers killed tragically on September 11, 2001.

Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr., gave the keynote speech and was joined by FBI Director Robert Mueller, United States Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan, United States Park Police Chief Teresa Chambers, Former Chief of the Port Authority of NY & NJ Police Department Joseph Morris, and Port Authority Officers Cesare Morales and Paul Nunziato in reading the names of all 72 officers killed that day.

"Because of them, the anniversary we observe every September 11th will always be about far more than the buildings that our enemies brought down, or the damage that they inflicted on our fellow citizens. It’s about honoring the heroism we witnessed on that fateful day – and the resilience that the American people have shown since,"said Attorney General Holder.

"Let this be our commitment to those we honor this morning – the 72 brave individuals whose names are etched, along with more than 19,000 others, into the walls of this memorial. Let us carry on their unfinished work and strive – in their honor – to promote, not only safety and security, but also peace – and, above all, justice. And – as we leave this place today – let us do everything in our power to ensure that – in our own time, in the lives of our children, and in the work of future generations – the stories, the memories, and the rich legacies of those we lost on September 11th will never be forgotten," he concluded.

Special thanks to United States Capitol Police Officer Melissa Recchuiti Gibson, Officer Mike McCann of the Virgina State Police, and Captain Kathy Harasek for their participation in today's ceremony.

To view the full text of the Attorney General's speech from today, visit http://www.nleomf.org/newsroom/speeches/attorney-general-eric-holder.html.

Chairman’s Award Given to John Wehrli of the National Park Service

2011-08-30T10:51:00.000-04:00

Last week, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Chairman's Award was given to an exceptional individual— National Park Service employee, John Wehrli.

John Wehrli has been responsible for maintaining the Memorial for the past 18 years. During his nearly two decades spent at the Memorial, the well-kept, gorgeous grounds have spoken volumes about the Memorial’s devoted caretaker—it is no secret that John Wehrli took great pride in what he did.

After his long stretch at the National Law Enforcement Memorial, he has been reassigned to the World War II Memorial. It is a testament to his dedication and hard work that the Memorial today looks just as beautiful as it did 20 years ago. He will be greatly missed.

For his commitment and long, impressive career of keeping the Memorial as if it were his own yard, John Wehrli received the second-ever Chairman's Award. Fittingly, the award was presented to him by Memorial Fund Chairman & CEO Craig Floyd at a gathering held in Mr. Wehrli’s honor at the Memorial Fund offices. Staff joined together to bid John farewell and to thank him for his years of support and friendship. Mr. Floyd expressed his gratitude to the talented employee for his unique and remarkable work ethic and 18 successful years of upholding the Memorial, “It will be very hard to replace you, John," he said.

Remembering Officer Jeremy Henwood, San Diego (CA) Police Department

2011-08-23T15:45:00.000-04:00

About three weeks ago, San Diego (CA) Police Officer Jeremy Henwood entered a local McDonald’s to buy some lunch. When a kid approached him and asked for 10 cents to buy some cookies, Officer Henwood offered to treat him instead. He asked the young boy what he wanted to do when he got older… “Be an NBA star,” the kid said. Officer Henwood bought him the cookies and gave him a bit of advice, too—he told him to work hard and follow his dreams.

Little did they know, this would be the last conversation Officer Henwood would ever have.

Moments later, Officer Henwood left McDonald’s and got back in his patrol car. Sitting idle at an intersection, an assailant pulled out a shotgun, and shot Officer Henwood in the head. A four-year department veteran, Officer Henwood had just completed a tour of duty and had recently returned home from Afghanistan. The marine combat veteran had, in fact, served several tours of duty overseas—including two tours in Iraq as a U.S. Marine—but sadly, it turned out to be far more deadly for him here at home. His father, Rob Henwood, said he hopes his son's death will remind people about the recognition and honor police officers deserve.

Leave a tribute to Officer Henwood at www.LawMemorial.org/Tributes.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/44167629#44167629.

Recent College Grad Runs Across the U.S. to Honor Fallen Heroes

2011-08-11T16:31:00.000-04:00

Sarah, the 22-year-old daughter of a retired San Bernardino City (CA) Police Lieutenant, is in the midst of running cross-country as a tribute to the memory of fallen peace officers and those who served in the Armed Forces.

After graduating from college, Sarah was faced with the big question many recent grads encounter—what’s next? As explained on her blog “Chasing Asphalt,” Sarah didn’t know the answer to that daunting question. “So I decided to go for a run in the meantime … from California to New York,” she said.

Her journey began on July 24 in Huntington Beach, and she is set to touch down in New York by late November or early December. While traversing the United States on foot is bound to be mentally and physically exhausting, Sarah said the purpose of her journey will enable her to persevere against all odds.

So far, she has been accompanied by both law enforcement officers and firefighters—either escorting her in patrol vehicles or running alongside her—for as much as 40-mile stretches as she passes through the Morongo Basin in southern California.

Although she never bargained for or anticipated any monetary support, she has received some donations that she plans to give to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, the Wounded Warrior Project, and the Fallen Firefighter Foundation.

For more information:
http://www.hidesertstar.com/articles/2011/08/10/sports/doc4e423124a964a946779140.txt
http://chasingasphalt.wordpress.com

13th Anniversary of Tragic Killing of Two U.S. Capitol Police Officers

2011-07-27T11:59:00.001-04:00

This year marked the 13th anniversary of the brutal rampage that took the lives of two U.S. Capitol Police Officers: Detective John Gibson and Officer Jacob Chestnut.

On July 24, 1998, Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson were guarding the East entrance of the Capitol building. At approximately 3:40 pm, a gunman attempted to force himself past the officers. When Officer Chestnut denied him entry by obstructing his path, the deranged gunman fatally shot him at point-blank range. Detective Gibson warned those nearby to seek cover then chased the gunman down the hallway. They exchanged fire and one of the rounds hit Detective Gibson, who succumbed to his serious gunshot wounds.

A plaque has been placed in the U.S. Capitol to pay tribute to their service and sacrifice, and their names are engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

On Monday, both U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid began their remarks on the floor of the U.S. Senate memorializing Detective Gibson and Officer Chestnut by laying a wreath and observing a moment of silence to pay tribute to the courageous officers.

Both Detective Gibson and Officer Chestnut were 18-year law enforcement veterans. Their dedication to service and their commitment to safeguarding the U.S. Capitol and the citizens inside will never be forgotten.

Citizens across America should take a moment out of their busy days to remember these two valiant individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice on July 24, 1998.

Nine-Year old Avi Completes 341 Mile Bike Ride to Honor Officer David Moore

2011-07-19T12:40:00.000-04:00

Last week, Sgt. Doug Forrest and his nine-year old son, Avi, completed a 341 mile bike ride from McKeesport, PA to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. Avi made the journey to honor fallen Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Officer David Moore, killed on January 26, 2011 and to raise funds for the David S. Moore Foundation, established by Officer Moore's parents after his death.

As Avi, Sgt. Forrest and Susan Schneider peddled into the Memorial, they were greeted by Officer Moore's uncle, Juan Moore. Officer Moore had previously visited the Memorial with his father, an active law enforcement officer also with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

According to a story by WISH TV, Sgt. Forrest stated that, "For me, the Memorial is always an emotional experience. I always break down and cry when I think of them because I miss them when I see their names on there. Avi just knows it's really emotional for his dad, and he pats me on the back and tells me, 'It's OK.'"

Congratulations, Avi on your incredible journey, and thank you for honoring the memory and service of Officer David Moore.

Telford Borough Police Department Supports the Memorial Fund in All American Soap Box Derby Race

2011-07-12T11:03:00.000-04:00

The All American Soap Box Derby race was held in Souderton, Pennsylvania on June 4. The longstanding soap box car racing tradition began in 1941 and has continued to unite the community for about 70 years—people of all ages look forward to this exciting event each year. Local businesses often sponsor cars and offer their services and assistance free of charge in support of the special occasion that positively impacts the community.

This community spirit and collective effort helped the Telford Borough Police Department and a local fifth grade Franconia Elementary School student named Marcus participate in this year’s race. It took several hands working together to discover the cost of a pre-owned soap box car, acquire and prepare a car, find a driver, and raise awareness and funds for a worthy cause.

Back in September 2010, Sgt. Jim Minninger and members of the Telford Borough P.D. requested funding for the car cost and race fees, but budgetary cuts left their request denied. This minor setback was reconciled by a local business owner who donated a soap box car kit and arranged for another local business responsible for designing and applying the graphics to patrol vehicles to donate decals and striping for their soap box car. With the generosity and support of the community, the soap box car was covered. Now they needed a driver.

The Department decided to offer the opportunity to a local child that would not otherwise be able to pilot a soap box car by holding an essay contest. They were granted permission from the local school district to distribute fliers to third through fifth grade students announcing the search for a soap box car driver and advertising the essay question: “How would you ‘Do Your Best’ if chosen to pilot a soap box car?” The winner was eleven-year-old Marcus, whose winning essay said: “I will always follow the directions, give my best effort to create a safe and fun soap box car, and last, have fun and make new friends.” Not only did Marcus accomplish all these goals, but he finished 6th in his division in the All American race, making the Telford Borough Police Department and entire community very proud.

Not only did Sgt. Minninger and his colleagues want to take full advantage of the race as an opportunity for their officers to deepen their positive relationships with local youth and their families, but they also wanted to raise funds in support of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, and they did just that. With the help of the community and by affixing the Fund’s Rose & Shield logo to the soap box car, the Telford Borough Police Department raised awareness and $1,000 for the Memorial Fund.

Scenes from the 2011 Candlelight Vigil

2011-07-11T20:16:00.000-04:00

View photos from the 2011 Candlelight Vigil or order a DVD of the entire ceremony at www.ShopLawMemorial.org. (DVDs will be available mid to late July.)

Team SAC PD Completes "Race Across America"

2011-07-07T09:35:00.001-04:00

Last week, officers from the Sacramento (CA) Police Department presented Craig W. Floyd, Chairman & CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund with a directory containing the names of 19,298 officers killed in the line of duty after completing a grueling and physically challenging cross country bike ride.

Team SAC PD began their journey in Oceanside, CA and arrived safely in Annapolis, MD after completing the "Race Across America." Each team member rode with a thumb drive also containing the name of all known officers killed in the line of duty.

For more information on how to get involved with Team SAC PD, contact Lt. Jim Beezley at jrbeezley@pd.cityofsacramento.org. Photos from their journey are available on Facebook.

Major League Baseball Manager Manny Acta Honored with Inaugural Chairman’s Award

2011-07-06T17:49:00.000-04:00

Major League Baseball manager of the Cleveland Indians, Manny Acta, received the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund’s first-ever Chairman's Award on May 19, 2011. The award was presented at the Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians baseball game at Chicago’s U.S. Cellular Field during the Chicago White Sox's Law Enforcement Day at the Park, to honor local Chicago law enforcement personnel, including the five Chicago officers who made the ultimate sacrifice last year.

A deserving recipient of this inaugural honor, Manny is a fervent supporter of the Memorial Fund and the upcoming National Law Enforcement Museum, currently under construction, as well as an advocate for the law enforcement profession and the brave men and women who serve and protect our communities.
In 2009, Manny filmed a public service announcement for the National Law Enforcement Museum that aired at Nationals Park—home of the Washington Nationals, where he served as manager for three years before moving to Cleveland.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund “Chairman’s Award” is presented to a deserving individual or organization that has assisted the Memorial Fund in its work to honor the service and sacrifice of America’s law enforcement officers, and/or has made contributions to the law enforcement profession.

The award was given to Manny by Memorial Fund Chairman and CEO Craig W. Floyd, Director of Development & Law Enforcement Relations John Shanks, International Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Director and Memorial Fund Board Member Dan Rosenblatt, Deputy Executive Director Jim McMahon, and Research Center Director John Firman, along with Gates (NY) Police Department Detective and Memorial Fund Ambassador Joshua Bowman, right on the baseball diamond at U.S. Cellular Field.

“The Memorial Fund is extremely grateful to Manny for his dedication to law enforcement and our worthy cause. We hope that his support and leadership will encourage Major League Baseball and other professional sports to honor law enforcement and participate in the Museum campaign, appropriately called “A Matter of Honor,” said Mr. Floyd.

For more information about the Museum campaign and how to donate visit: www.LawEnforcementMuseum.org.

Help Team SacPD on Their 3,000+ Mile Journey

2011-06-13T10:47:00.001-04:00

Police Officers from the Sacramento (CA) Police Department are gearing up for the Race Across America, a cross-country bike ride from California to Maryland. Team SacPD will start their 3,000+ mile journey on June 18, 2011, to help raise awareness for the over 19,000 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in US history.

As part of their efforts, Team SacPD has created a catalog of names of fallen officers that they will keep with them on the journey. At the end of the ride, it will be presented to Craig W. Floyd, Chairman & CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

Help Team SacPD reach their $100,000 goal by making a donation or providing in-kind support. Learn more about how you can help at www.sacpd.org/teamsacpd.

For more information on how to get involved with TeamSacPD, contact Lt. Jim Beezley at jrbeezley@pd.cityofsacramento.org or call (816) 808-0854 for more information and visit the website at www.sacpd.org/teamsacpd.

Historic Law Enforcement Officer's First Visit to the Memorial

2011-06-10T10:57:00.000-04:00

Two days after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, then Detective James R. Leavelle, Dallas (TX) Police Department, found himself handcuffed to Lee Harvey Oswald as they were escorting him to the county jail. Because they were shackled so closely to one another during the transport, Mr. Leavelle turned to him and said, “Lee, if anybody shoots, I hope they’re as good a shot as you are." According to Mr. Leavelle, he (Oswald) kind of laughed and said, “Well nobody’s going to shoot at me.”

The shooting of Lee Harvey Oswald was captured by a Dallas Times-Herald Pulitzer Prize winning black and white photograph picturing Detective Leavelle handcuffed to Oswald—a photograph that undoubtedly made him one of the most famous police officers in America.

This week, Mr. Leavelle made the trip from Texas to visit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and provide an oral history for the National Law Enforcement Museum, to permanently record his law enforcement service and ensure his story will be shared with everyone that visits the Museum.

Mr. Leavelle also served as the first guest in the National Law Enforcement Museums, "Witness to History" lecture series last Tuesday evening.

Yesterday, Mr. Leavelle, along with his wife and daughter, visited the Memorial for the first time. Fittingly, Mr. Leavelle saw the name of his former colleague with the Dallas (TX) Police, JD Tippit, etched on to Panel 63-E, Line 9 of the marble walls. JD Tippit was shot by Lee Harvey Oswald minutes after President Kennedy was killed.

Eleven-year-old Adam Pays Special Tribute to All Fallen Heroes

2011-05-26T08:59:00.001-04:00

Etching an officer’s name on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is a meaningful and special tradition. It allows individuals to bring a bit of the Memorial home with them—more specifically, an outlined name of a fallen officer whom they will never forget. To surviving family members and loved ones, these etchings serve as constant, tangible reminders of the sacrifices made and the lives lived by such selfless and courageous individuals.

That key sentiment was not lost on Adam, the 11-year-old son of a 20-year law enforcement veteran and member of Virginia II Chapter of the Blue Knights. Adam attended his second LawRide on May 9th during National Police Week 2011 and spent time selling Memorial Fund merchandise in order to raise funds for a cause particularly significant to him and his family.

During Adam’s visit to the Memorial, he displayed compassion well beyond his years for all 19,298 officers whose names adorn the marble walls. One of the names on the monument represents a close friend and colleague whom Adam’s father worked with for nine years. Virginia State Police Trooper Mark Cosslett, or “Cooter” as he was known by those closest to him, was killed in a motorcycle accident while responding to a call of shots fired on October 23, 2002, during the sniper attacks in the Washington, DC area.

Adam demonstrated his gratitude and honored not only his friend , but all those who have died in the line of duty, by tracing letters from several different names on the Memorial walls in order to create his special tribute message: “Rest In Peace. None Of You Will Ever Be Forgotten.” As you can see in the photos, these powerful words were flanked by “VSP” in the lower right-hand corner of the paper to represent the Virginia State Police in remembrance of Trooper Cosslett, as well as Adam’s father, who continues to serve today.

Many unique tributes like Adam’s are left at the Memorial each day, especially during National Police Week, and each has its own extraordinary story and significance.

Share your own personal tributes at www.LawMemorial.org/Tributes.

Law Enforcement Day at the Park

2011-05-25T15:29:00.002-04:00

Photo courtesy of Josh Bowman

The Chicago White Sox dedicated May 19, 2011, as National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day at the Park. The event was organized by the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #7 and benefited the Memorial Fund's efforts to build the National Law Enforcement Museum.

Last year, five Chicago Police Officers made the ultimate sacrifice — Michael Ray Bailey Sr, Michael Ronald Flisk, Alan J Haymaker, Thor O Soderberg, and Thomas E Wortham IV. Their names were added to the Memorial earlier this spring and formally dedicated on May 13, 2011, at the annual Candlelight Vigil.

Thanks to all who came to US Cellular Field to honor the service and sacrifice of 19,298 officers, killed in the line of duty.