National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

A Special Congratulations to the Winner of this Year’s Harley Davidson!

2013-05-17T13:37:00.003-04:00

The National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Fund would like to extend our congratulations to the winner of this year’s Harley Davidson raffle, Mr. Edwin H.!

Edwin has been a law enforcement professional for more than 45 years in Nassau County, New York. He spent 34 years as a Nassau County Police Officer, and for the past 11 years has been employed by the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, assigned to the DEA Task Force.

Edwin has bought four Harley Raffle Tickets every year for the eight years that we have done the raffle. Edwin comes to Washington, D.C. for National Police Week every year to honor seven of his colleagues that are on our Memorial Wall. We greatly appreciate his support and send him our well wishes for his new ride!

National Peace Officers Memorial Day

2013-05-15T16:58:00.000-04:00

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, as National Police Week determining the dates for National Police Week 2013 — Sunday, May 12th through Saturday, May 18th.

At the conclusion of the 32nd Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol, leaders of the Fraternal Order of Police, the FOP Auxiliary, Concerns of Police Survivors and the Memorial Fund brought the wreath from the Capitol to the Memorial to remain under the watch of honor guards from all over the country for the rest of the evening.

Take a look at our photos of the National Peace Officers' Memorial Wreathlaying at the Memorial:

At midnight, a lone piper will walk through the Memorial, and the flags will be returned to full staff, signaling the end of Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Thank You, USA Today, for Honoring our Fallen Heroes

2013-05-15T16:57:00.001-04:00

When it comes to honoring the memory of our nation’s fallen law enforcement heroes, the Gannett Co. gets it.

For the fifth year in a row, the company’s flagship newspaper, USA Today, has donated a quarter-page ad paying tribute to officers killed in the line of duty.

The ad, which appeared on page 5B of the May 14th edition, lists the names of all 120 officers who died in law enforcement service during 2012. And it reminds the family members, loved ones and colleagues of the fallen that a grateful nation will always remember these brave men and women.

Thank you, Gannett and USA Today, for honoring our heroes during National Police Week.

19th Annual Emerald Society & Pipeband March and Service

2013-05-14T21:21:00.000-04:00

The Emerald Society, an organization of American police officers or fire fighters of Irish heritage, held the 19th Annual Emerald Society & Pipeband March and Service today. The service remembered all law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, in particular officers of Gaelic descent, and featured numerous musical tributes.

Bagpipes trace their roots to the Middle East several centuries before the birth of Christ. But it was in Ireland and Scotland that the instrument became popular, used to signal a death and escort the fallen to the final resting place. Their strong association with law enforcement in the United States developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as Irish-Americans stepped forward and began to fill the growing ranks of our law enforcement agencies. One of the enduring traditions they brought with them was bagpipe music.

The Memorial was proud to host this ceremony honoring the service and sacrifice of our fallen officers.

For more information about National Police Week 2013, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.LawMemorial.org/PoliceWeek.

17th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Run- Philadelphia to DC

2013-05-14T16:25:00.000-04:00

The 17th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Run made its way to the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial this afternoon. Each year runners make the journey from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Washington DC to honor fallen officers from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland.

The run began 17 years ago with just two participants. Over time, the Law Enforcement Memorial Run has evolved into a group of over eighty participants including officers, supporters and survivors. In addition to the main group, hundred of extra runners join in during various legs of the trip. The run made several stops along the way to honor those law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

25th Annual Candlelight Vigil

2013-05-13T23:29:00.002-04:00

Tonight, the nation paused to formally dedicate the names of 321 fallen law enforcement heroes, added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in 2012. Of the 321 names, 120 were officers killed in the line of duty during 2012 and 201 were names of officers previously undiscovered.

Following the presentation of the colors by the United States Park Police, Sergeant Katina Murphy of the Arizona Department of Corrections performed the national anthem and Chaplain Reginald H. Wilborn led the invocation. Craig Floyd, Chairman and CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund welcomed thousands of law enforcement officers, survivors and supporters in attendance before introducing Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano who delivered special remarks. U.S. Attorney General, Eric H. Holder, Jr., delivered the keynote address.

Sergeant Michael Devine, New York City (NY) Police Department; Officer Steve Butterbrodt, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey PBA; Sergeant Ron Fabiani, Stone Park (IL) Police Department; and Sergeant Austin Weinstock, Triton (IL) Police Department, all performed moving musical tributes during the ceremony.

The national monument now contains the names of 19,981 fallen law enforcement officers—from all 50 states; the District of Columbia; U.S. territories; federal law enforcement, corrections, railroad and military police agencies—who have died in the performance of duty throughout U.S. history, dating back to the first known officer death in 1791.

Special thanks to Officer.com for providing a free webcast of tonight’s services.

Police Unity Tour 2013

2013-05-12T17:55:00.001-04:00

Shortly after 2 pm today, nearly 1,700 members of the Police Unity Tour completed their long journey to Washington, DC. Participants traveled hundreds of miles the past three days—from six spokes in East Hanover (NJ), Franklin Township (NJ), Millville (NJ), Portsmouth (VA), Richmond (VA), and Philadelphia (PA) to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

Friends, family and supporters gathered at the Memorial, waving signs and cheering on the participants as they finished the long ride. The Police Unity Tour’s motto is “We Ride for Those Who Died” and is one that each rider seriously embraces. Participants not only trained hard for the 300 mile average ride but also raised money to provide awareness and financial support for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

After all riders had entered the Memorial, a brief ceremony was held, and Florham Park (NJ) Chief Patrick Montuore, founder of the Police Unity Tour, presented a check for $1.72 million to Craig W. Floyd, Chairman & CEO of the NLEOMF—the highest amount raised in the history of the Police Unity Tour.

We thank all the members of the Police Unity Tour, who worked tirelessly to ensure the service and sacrifice of America's law enforcement heroes are forever remembered. Their generosity, commitment and unity are vital to honoring all 19,981 officers killed in the line of duty.

18th Annual LawRide

2013-05-12T12:57:00.000-04:00

“We ride in memory of those who paid the ultimate price for their dedication to service and duty. We place the wreaths in honor of their supreme sacrifice,” said Gary Lyons, LawRide Founder.

This Mother’s Day law enforcement officers and motorcycle enthusiasts gathered at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC to prepare for the 18thAnnual LawRide to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Hundreds of motorcyclists cruised past the U.S. Capitol, down Pennsylvania Avenue, and up 6th Street on their way to the Memorial.

Immediately following the ride, a ceremony was held and four ceremonial wreaths were placed at the Memorial’s center medallion, to honor all the fallen heroes of American law enforcement.

For photos from the 2013 LawRide, as well as from other events happening during National Police Week, follow NLEOMF at www.facebook.com/nleomf, on instagram @nleomf and on twitter @nleomf.

For more information about National Police Week 2013, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.LawMemorial.org/PoliceWeek.

34th Annual Washington Area Police Memorial Service

2013-05-10T17:42:00.000-04:00

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) of Washington, DC, the Fraternal Order of Police DC Lodge #1, and the DC Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors hosted the 34th Annual Washington Area Police Memorial Service at MPD’s Headquarters in downtown DC with Bruce Johnson, of WUSA-TV, as master of ceremonies.

This annual service recognizes the work of all DC Metro area law enforcement officers. Special recognition was given to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in 2012, including Trooper Andrew Fox, Officer Chris Yung, Officer Adrian Morris, Officer Forrest Taylor, Officer William Talbert, and Sergeant Morton Marshall Ford III.

Following the presentation of colors and the national anthem, introductory remarks were given by District of Columbia Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier, followed by remarks from District of Columbia Mayor Vincent C. Gray and guest speaker Ronald C. Machen, United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. Representatives from the Virginia State Police, Prince William County Police, Prince George's County Police, Baltimore City Police, Montgomery County Police and Alexandria Police spoke about their officers lost in the past year, which was followed by a solemn roll call of fallen heroes from the DC Metro area.

Survivors, law enforcement officers and friends placed blue roses along the edge of the fountain at the Washington Law Enforcement Memorial as the names of the fallen were read. As a special tribute, an MPD helicopter conducted a ceremonial fly-over at the end of the service.

The names of the six officers honored at the service today will be dedicated on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial at the 25th Annual Candlelight Vigil this Sunday, May 13th at 8:00 pm, along with 321 other officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

For more information about National Police Week 2013, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.LawMemorial.org/PoliceWeek.

2013 Police Unity Tour Kick Off - Portsmouth, VA

2013-05-10T10:24:00.001-04:00

It was a sunny 72 degree day as Police Unity Tour Chapter VII celebrated their 10th anniversary at their kick off ceremony this morning on the waterfront in Old Town Portsmouth, VA. "We Ride For Those Who Died" is the Police Unity Tour’s Motto and this year the riders included police officers, sheriff's deputies, state and federal agents and survivors. Over 200 riders from eight states (FL, GA, LA, AZ, OK, TX, TN and FL) and the United Kingdom, as well as 50 support personnel departed on their annual trek to National Police Week in Washington, D.C for the Portsmouth spoke of the Police Unity Tour. As bagpipes sounded, the cyclists, motor officers and support personnel joined together for a presentation of the colors and singing of the National Anthem.

This was my fourth year speaking at the Portsmouth kick-off ceremony and it was a great honor to be a part of such a remarkable event.

For the next three days the riders will travel over 200 miles to end their journey at the National Law Enforcement Memorial. Please join us in Washington, D.C. on Sunday May 12th as Chapter VII, along with over 1,500 other riders and thousands of well-wishers, gather at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial for the arrival ceremony. The ceremony will begin at approximately 2pm.

We wish the Police Unity Tour Riders safe travels on their journey.

John Shanks
Acting Director of Development and Law Enforcement Relations
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

19th Annual Blue Mass

2013-05-07T15:49:00.000-04:00

In spite of today’s rainy weather, public safety and law enforcement officers from the Washington, DC Metropolitan area gathered at St.Patrick’s Catholic Church to pray for a mass to honor those who serve in law enforcement and fire safety, and remember the fallen. The Mass included an honor guard, bagpipers, and the solemn playing of "Taps" in memory of those who gave their lives in the past year.

Blue Mass began in 1934, when police officers gathered to pray for their fallen comrades and seek God's blessing for their own safety. The tradition stopped in the mid-1970s but has since resumed in grander fashion than ever. The name "Blue Mass" comes from the traditional color of many officers' uniforms.

The principal celebrant and homilist for the Blue Mass was His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl.

Police Officers’ Prayer to St. Michael, the Archangel
(Courtesy of St. Patrick Catholic Church):

Dear Saint Michael, Your name means, “Who is Like a God”, and it indicates that You remained faithful when others rebelled against God. Help the police officers of our day who strive to stem the rebellion and evil that are rampant on all sides. Keep them faithful to their God as well as to their country and their fellow human beings. Amen.

For more information about National Police Week 2013, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.LawMemorial.org/PoliceWeek.

Ambush Tactics Continue in 2013

2013-05-06T18:04:00.000-04:00

To date, there have been 15 firearms-related law enforcement officer fatalities in 2013 and a majority of these were a result of ambush attacks. Ambushes have been on the rise nationally and present a chilling threat to our nation’s law enforcement officers. Beyond the raw numbers, many of these tragic killings have made national headlines, raising awareness of this danger:

Assistant District Attorney Mark Haase of Kaufman County, Texas was shot as he walked to the courthouse after parking his car on January 31
Officers Keith Lawrence, Michael Craine, and Jeremiah Mackay were all killed by a former Los Angeles police officer between February 3 and February 12
Colorado Department of Corrections Executive Director Tom Clements was shot as he opened his front door on March 19
District Attorney Mike McLelland of Kaufman County, Texas and his wife, Cynthia, were found shot to death in their home on March 30
Sheriff Eugene Crum of Mingo County, West Virginia was ambushed in his police car as he ate lunch on April 3
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Police Officer Sean Collier was killed by the suspected Boston bombers as he sat in his patrol vehicle on April 18

According to the VALOR Program's May Monthly Bulletin, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) statistics reveal that ambush situations made up the biggest category of circumstance in which 543 officers were feloniously killed between 2002 and 2011. This ambush tactic trend is one reason the VALOR program was created, providing free trainings to help ensure officer resilience and survivability in the event of violent encounters.

Keep an eye out for registration for upcoming VALOR trainings in your area to help prepare you to respond to ambush tactics like those that have tragically taken the lives of so many law enforcement officers this year.

June 4–5, 2013: Newburgh, New York
June 6–7, 2013: Rochester, New York
July 11–12, 2013: Chicago, Illinois
July 24–25, 2013: Sante Fe, New Mexico

22nd Annual Correctional Officers Wreath Laying Ceremony

2013-05-04T12:45:00.000-04:00

Today, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Corrections Chiefs Committee gathered at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial to honor correctional officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice—including nine correctional officers killed in 2012 and 21 fallen correctional officers from the DC metro area.

Since the Memorial was first dedicated in October 1991, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Corrections Chiefs Committee has conducted an annual ceremony at the Memorial to recognize the service and sacrifice of our nation's correctional officers. Led by Thomas N. Faust, Director of the District of Columbia Department of Corrections, this year’s ceremony included guest speakers Herbert Giobbi, Chief Operating Officer of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Chief Kenneth Ellerbee of the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services and Paul A. Quander Jr., Deputy Mayor of the District of Columbia.

Following the presentation of the colors by the honor guard, Sergeant Chris Sawyer of the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office performed the national anthem. The invocation was led by Chaplain Rosco Lockheart of the Montgomery County Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. After a brief welcome by Chuck Bean, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, there was a special recognition of Chief Kenneth Ellerbee.

The roll call of fallen heroes was then solemnly read aloud as members of the participating honor guards carried red roses to the center medallion of the Memorial. After each flower was placed, a single bell tolled. In a traditional symbolic gesture, white doves were released at the end of the ceremony and a wreath was placed at the medallion.

Tomorrow marks the start of National Correctional Officers and Employees Week (May 5-11, 2013), which was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. Proclaiming the first-ever National Correctional Officers' Week on May 5, 1984, President Reagan called “upon officials of State and local governments and the people of the United States to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

In 1996, Congress officially changed the name of the week to National Correctional Officers and Employees Week. The names of 585 correctional officers are engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. These courageous heroes are forever remembered. Their light continues to shine through their memory and through the selfless men and women who continue to serve each day.

Law Enforcement Appreciation Night with the Detroit Tigers

2013-05-01T18:07:00.003-04:00

What a great Law Enforcement Appreciation Night last evening at Comerica Park, not to mention a great 6-1 win for the Detroit Tigers against the Minnesota Twins. More than 900 law enforcement personnel, family, and friends— from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Southern Ontario, Canada—came out to support law enforcement and the Memorial Fund, along with some 30,000 fans and supporters. Representing the Memorial Fund were Chief Operating Officer Herb Giobbi and Law Enforcement Ambassador Brent Clark.

A great display of 25 Michigan police cars from past to present was on hand for attendees to check out as they made their way into the park. The police cars gave fans of all ages a look at how law enforcement vehicles have evolved over the years.

Just before the game, the Tigers took a moment to honor Officer Patrick O’Rourke of the West Bloomfield (MI) Police Department. Officer O’Rourke was killed last September while responding to a domestic dispute call. We were happy to have Officer O’Rourke’s wife, kids, and parents attend the event in his honor.

Overall it was a great night for baseball, the Memorial Fund, and Tigers fans. Thanks to our Law Enforcement Ambassador for getting out the word to sell 950 tickets in support of the National Law Enforcement Memorial. Also, a very special thank you to the Detroit Tigers for helping us to respect, honor, and remember those in law enforcement.

Law Enforcement Ambassador & Guardian Spotlight: Vincent D'Onofrio

2013-04-30T17:14:00.003-04:00

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund enjoys the support of a special group of volunteers: Law Enforcement Ambassadors and Guardians. Law Enforcement Ambassadors are active and retired law enforcement officers from city, state, federal and military law enforcement agencies, while Law Enforcement Guardians are volunteers who support and honor law enforcement but are not sworn officers, allowing citizens, family members and corporate supporters to work closely with the Memorial Fund in achieving our goals.

On Friday, April 19, Actor Vincent D’Onofrio traveled from New York City to Pleasant Grove, Utah to support the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Vince joined John Shanks from the Memorial Fund and did several radio and television interviews promoting the Memorial Fund’s mission and work. That evening, Vince joined over 650 law enforcement supporters, who filled the auditorium at Pleasant Grove High School for a screening of Heroes Behind the Badge, a documentary film—narrated by Vince—that tells the stories behind the badge of the men and women who serve our communities every day.

During the pre-screening reception, Vince met with the family of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Nicholas J. Ivie (End of Watch: 10/2/12). Agent Ivie was shot and killed in Arizona after responding to an activated sensor along the border. Vince talked extensively with Agent Ivie’s wife, parents, and brother, about their lost loved one.

Vincent D’Onofrio is a lot of things to a lot of people. To the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund he is more than an actor who portrayed Detective Bobby Goran on Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Vince is a kind and genuine individual who honors the service and sacrifice of our law enforcement professionals and respects their families.

His support doesn’t end there! Vince is currently our top fundraising participant for the Ride and Run to Remember.

On behalf of everyone at the Memorial Fund, please join us in thanking Vincent D’Onofrio for his service and dedication as a volunteer leader with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

Unveiling Ceremony

2013-04-30T14:44:00.002-04:00

This morning an Unveiling Ceremony was held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, to present the newly-engraved names of two officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in 2012: National Park Ranger Margaret Anderson and Prince William County (VA) Police Officer Chris Yung. Family, friends, and colleagues of both fallen officers joined Memorial Fund staff for the special ceremony.

Memorial Fund Chairman & CEO Craig W. Floyd spoke about the importance of honoring both officers, whose names were unveiled today for the first time, along with all of the nearly 20,000 officers who have died in the line of duty through U.S. history. “Today, we continue the process of forever remembering and honoring these fallen American heroes,” he said, “and reminding the citizens of our nation that we should never take the service and sacrifice of our law enforcement professionals for granted.”

2013 Unveiling Ceremony, a set on Flickr.

National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis shared some words about Park Ranger Margaret Anderson. “She will always be a part of us, and today she's a part of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial,” he said.

Prince William County (VA) Police Chief Steve Hudson spoke about Officer Chris Yung. “Chris had an infectious smile that impacted everyone he met,” he said. Chief Hudson also told the group of Chris’s daily philosophy of “striving to be sure he did things better tomorrow than he had done today.” “It is incumbent upon all of us to continue to learn from that example,” he said.

These names are two of the 321 being added to the Memorial this week. This includes 120 officers killed in the performance of duty in 2012 and 201 officers killed in prior years. These names will be formally dedicated at the 25th Annual Candlelight Vigil on Monday May 13, 2013 at 8:00 pm.

At the close of the Unveiling Ceremony, family, friends, and colleagues paid tribute to these fallen heroes by etching their engraved names onto paper, as a special keepsake. “May these officers rest in peace,” said Craig W. Floyd, “and may they never be forgotten.”

Boston Red Sox Law Enforcement Appreciation Night

2013-04-26T15:53:00.006-04:00

Last Friday, April 19, our Law Enforcement Appreciation Night with the Boston Red Sox had to be postponed, for good reason. The entire city—especially our law enforcement professionals—was focused on responding to the Boston Marathon bombing and apprehending the suspects involved. Sadly, there were many victims, including MIT Police Officer Sean Collier, who was killed in the line of duty. Our thoughts are with all the victims, their families, and our first responders and law enforcement officers, who ran towards danger to help those in need.

Thanks to the great support from the city of Boston, the Boston Police Department, volunteer Ambassador Chris Shoppmeyer, and the Boston Red Sox, our Law Enforcement Appreciation event was quickly rescheduled for Sunday, April 21. All involved in coordinating the event felt it was important for us to honor law enforcement as planned, especially after the heroic response following the bombing.

Before the game started on Sunday, National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund staff, along with friends, family, and agencies throughout the Boston area, took the field for a moment of tribute. The Boston Police Department’s Honor Guard presented the colors.

Overall, it was another great event that not only recognized the 2012 fallen officers from New England, but highlighted the important work law enforcement does every day to keep us all safe. More than 600 tickets were sold, raising more than $3,000 for the Memorial Fund. In addition to that generous contribution, a check for $23,200 was presented by the Massachusetts Major City Police Chiefs Association to the Memorial Fund.

Thank you to all those who participated. We are truly grateful for the incredible show of support for our law enforcement community in Boston!

Law Enforcement Appreciation Night with the Florida Panthers

2013-04-10T10:42:00.002-04:00

The Memorial Fund has continued our Law Enforcement Appreciation Events with a number of great ones held this year. We were recently thrilled to have more than 200 people turn out to honor law enforcement on Thursday March 28 in South Florida. The Florida Panthers defended the Buffalo Sabres by one point in the second overtime. Certainly it was a great win for the Panthers, but also a great opportunity to honor law enforcement officers, including the recipients of the Memorial Fund’s February Officer of the Month Award, Boynton Beach (FL) Police Officers Christopher Munro and Eric Reynolds.

The Panthers joined us in recognizing Officers Christopher Munro and Eric Reynolds, who took the ceremonial slap shot at the start of the game. During the second half, Andrew Raphael presented the officers with their Officer of the Month Awards, on behalf of the Memorial Fund.

In June 2012, Officers Munro and Reynolds were involved in apprehending a suspect that had fled from an armed robbery. They used their keen skills to identify the suspect despite faulty alert information. Officer Reynolds was shot during the apprehension but has recovered. In addition to being recognized by the Memorial Fund, both officers received the Boynton Beach Police Department’s Combat Cross Medal.

Overall, the night was a great success. Law Enforcement Appreciation Events bring us together to honor our public safety professionals and raise awareness and support for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

A special thank you to the Florida Panthers and Mr. Raphael for a wonderful event.

Law Enforcement Ambassador & Guardian Spotlight: Police Unity Tour Riders

2013-04-01T11:44:00.001-04:00

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund enjoys the support of a special group of volunteers: Law Enforcement Ambassadors and Guardians. Law Enforcement Ambassadors are active and retired law enforcement officers from city, state, federal and military law enforcement agencies, while Law Enforcement Guardians are volunteers who support and honor law enforcement but are not sworn officers, allowing citizens, family members and corporate supporters to work closely with the Memorial Fund in achieving our goals.

Gary Jones, Sean Smoot, Shanda Berry, Joshua Bowman, and Stuart Levine are just a few individuals who not only help to support the Memorial Fund as Ambassadors and Guardians, but also as riders with the Police Unity Tour. Each volunteer rides not only to help raise awareness and funds for the Memorial, but often for a personal reason that is close to their hearts.

Participating in the Unity Tour brings the Memorial alive for riders, as well as the many people who witness them ride through their communities. Joshua Bowman said he rides because of the connections he has, being on the job every day and knowing the sacrifices of those who just were performing similar duties when their watch ended. Rider Stuart Levine says he participates because after riding 300+ miles, the pain you endure is just a fraction of the pain that the families of the fallen officers feel on a daily basis.

It all started back in May of 1997 with Patrick P. Montuore of the Florham Park (NJ) Police Department. Officer Montuore (now Chief) wanted to honor officers who had died in the line of duty and draw attention to the sacrifices they made. The idea was to raise money by riding a bicycle from Florham Park, NJ to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. In that first year, 18 riders came together to raise $18,000 in just four days. Last year, more than 1600 riders participated from all over the country, donating over $1.65 million to the Memorial. Over the last 15 years, the Police Unity Tour has done much more than one could have ever imagined to honor the lives and sacrifices of fallen heroes and support the Memorial Fund.

The money raised and donated to the Memorial has supported a number of important projects. The Unity Tour raised $5 million for the National Law Enforcement Museum to sponsor its Hall of Remembrance, where all those who have died in the line of duty will be remembered. Also, the group funded a $1.1 million restoration project of the Memorial walls that included the re-engraving, coating and sealing of each name. All these accomplishments wouldn’t be possible without the individual support of many passionate volunteers.

Law Enforcement Ambassador & Guardian Spotlight: Bill Swank

2013-02-28T13:17:00.003-05:00

Bill Swank is the kind of guy everyone would like to know. His positive energy is not only contagious, but plentiful. Bill is a longtime law enforcement professional who has held positions as a county deputy sheriff, city police officer, and now a United States federal agent (Federal Air Marshal, U.S. Department of Homeland Security). This well-known and highly respected member of the law enforcement community is now the newest member of the Law Enforcement Ambassador & Guardian program.

Late in 2012, Bill—who owns one of the largest collections of police badges, patches, uniforms, and memorabilia—began volunteering his time to work with our Museum Programs staff. Soon Bill expressed an interest in doing more for the Memorial Fund and Museum campaign—and it didn’t take long for him to apply and be accepted as our newest Ambassador.

Bill immediately jumped into action and connected with longtime Ambassador Brent Clark to help plan a Law Enforcement Appreciation Event in Cleveland, Ohio with the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, which turned out to be an exceptional event. In addition, Bill arranged important meetings with Chiefs of Police, Sheriff’s Office personnel, and the Ohio State Department of Public Safety, as well as coordinated introductions and meetings with representatives of businesses and corporations headquartered in the Columbus metro area—all in efforts to raise awareness and promote support for the Memorial Fund. We look forward to seeing those efforts pay off, and hope more Ohio agencies and businesses will get involved in the Museum campaign.

The Memorial Fund is proud to have Bill Swank as a Law Enforcement Ambassador. We look forward to working with him for many years to come. Thank you, Bill, for your leadership, dedication, and support of the law enforcement profession!

Atlanta Falcons Honor Fallen Police Officer Gail Thomas

2012-12-19T14:47:00.000-05:00

From L to R: Craig W. Floyd, Chairman & CEO of the NLEOMF; Arthur Blank, Owner of the Atlanta Falcons; Jasmine Sherman, daughter of Officer Gail Thomas; and The Honorable George Turner, Chief of the Atlanta Police Department.

This past Sunday, December 16, Memorial Fund Chairman & CEO Craig W. Floyd joined Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank on the field before their game versus the New York Giants. Accompanied by Chief George Turner, they presented Jasmine Sherman with a special Recorded Memorial Tribute in honor of her mother, Atlanta Police Officer Gail Thomas, who was struck and killed on January 24, 2012.

Launched in the summer of 2012, the Recorded Memorial Tribute Program is designed to share the stories of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. The program provides a special way for all citizens to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Now, thanks to the Atlanta Falcons, Officer Gail Thomas will forever be remembered for her infectious smile and devotion to policing in this touching tribute. Watch the full Recorded Memorial Tribute.

Special thanks to Bob McDonough, Chief Security Officer of the Atlanta Falcons, and Bill McClain, Chief Security Officer for Home Depot, Inc. for coordinating this presentation, and to the Atlanta Falcons for sponsoring the creation of Officer Gail Thomas’s Recorded Memorial Tribute.

Law Enforcement Ambassador & Guardian Spotlight: Bill Erfurth

2012-12-06T17:15:00.005-05:00

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund enjoys the support of a special group of volunteers: Law Enforcement Ambassadors and Guardians. Law Enforcement Ambassadors are active and retired law enforcement officers from city, state, federal and military law enforcement agencies, while Law Enforcement Guardians are volunteers who support and honor law enforcement but are not sworn officers, allowing citizens, family members and corporate supporters to work closely with the Memorial Fund in achieving our goals.

A relatively new member of the Ambassador group, many of you have probably never heard the name Bill Erfurth before. Though new to us, he’s been part of the law enforcement community for decades. Bill is a career law enforcement professional who served for over 25 years in Miami, Florida. In past years, Bill had his own radio show (COPNET), on which he, along with Memorial Fund Chairman & CEO Craig Floyd and now-U.S. Marshall Bill Berger discussed many issues of importance to law enforcement, especially officer safety.

Lately, Bill has taken his talents behind the camera, and in partnership with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, he and his production team (Modern City Entertainment) have produced an exceptional documentary, Heroes Behind the Badge. Just like most newsworthy topics in the media these days, the repercussions of a law enforcement line-of-duty death appear to end with the start of the next news cycle. This is not so for our law enforcement families. Heroes Behind the Badge takes a close-up and personal look at several officers and incidents in which they were involved in 2011—some fatal, others close calls. In documentary style, law enforcement professionals and family members share their stories of loss, grief and survival. The film does not reenact the incidents, but describes them with eyewitness accounts. Families share their deepest thoughts and their journey to Washington, DC for National Police Week and the Candlelight Vigil at the Memorial.

All Ambassadors and Guardian volunteers are encouraged to consider hosting a screening of Heroes Behind the Badge in your local community. Several screenings have been held in communities across the country. To learn more about Heroes Behind the Badge and how to host a screening, please e-mail Bill Erfurth or visit the Heroes Behind the Badge website.

We thank Bill for his leadership and vision to tell the stories of the brave men and women of law enforcement.

Distinguished Service Award Given to FBI Director Robert S. Mueller

2012-12-05T16:04:00.000-05:00

The Honorable Robert S. Mueller, III, Director of the FBI, was unanimously selected by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Board of Directors to receive our Distinguished Service Award in 2012. Our Board of Directors includes 16 of our nation's leading law enforcement groups, representing virtually every federal, state and local officer in America.

From L to R:
Harry Phillips, Craig W. Floyd, Director Robert S. Mueller III,
Suzie Sawyer, and Michael Muth

The Memorial Fund's Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to "an individual or organization that has made an exceptional and lasting contribution to the law enforcement profession." Director Mueller will be joining a very impressive list of past winners of this award, which has been given since 1996.

As head of the FBI, Director Mueller has made many contributions to keep America safe and to support the mission of the Memorial Fund. Director Mueller's exceptional and transformational leadership of the FBI has helped to ensure that there have been no successful terrorist attacks on U.S. soil since 9/11. His regular participation in the Memorial Fund 's annual Candlelight Vigil and other major events has demonstrated a deep concern for those officers who have been killed in the line of duty, and their families, especially for the eight FBI Special Agents who have sacrificed their lives during Director Mueller's tenure in office. The FBI's Office for Victim Assistance and the Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted Report are other excellent examples of the strong commitment that Director Mueller and the FBI have made to support crime victims and to promote law enforcement safety.

The Distinguished Service Award is the best way we know how to recognize his many contributions to the law enforcement profession and to say thank you to Director Mueller.

Prior Distinguished Service Award winners:
2011: Dick Wolf
2010: Target
2009: Vice President Joe Biden
2008: Congressman Steny Hoyer, House Majority Leader
2007: Cynthia Brown, American Police Beat Publisher
2006: President Bill Clinton
2005: Motorola
2004: Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell
2003: Police Unity Tour
2002: President George H.W. Bush
2001: United States Mint Police
2000: U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno
1999: John Walsh, Host of America's Most Wanted
1998: Congressman (ret.) Mario Biaggi, Founder of the Memorial Fund
1997: The DuPont Company
1996: Senator Claiborne Pell, Honorary Chairman of the Memorial Fund

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Golf Classic

2012-11-15T17:25:00.002-05:00

Last week at Legends Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC, the 13th Annual National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Golf Classic raised $35,000 for the Memorial Fund. Dubbed the "WORLD'S LARGEST LAW ENFORCEMENT GOLF EVENT,” golfers enjoyed five days of competition.

The record $35,000 donation brings the total amount of funds raised from the event to over $500,000. The overall top male and female winners at this year’s event were Adam Argenbright and Vicki Dawson.

Special thanks to event organizer, Dan Morphet, whose hard work makes this event possible. Also, thanks go to DynCorp International for serving as top sponsor.

For more details about the event, please visit: http://www.nleomgc.com

Honoring America's Military Heroes

2012-11-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

Today, at exactly 11 am, a color guard, made up of members from each of the military services, will stand watch during the annual Veteran’s Day ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery.

Just a few miles away stands the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, the national monument to law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty—including military police officers.

The parallels drawn between military and law enforcement service are vast and the line between them is often blurred. Both are fighting a war—with our military fighting overseas and our law enforcement often fighting the war on crime domestically. Both professions require courage and bravery—and breed American heroes.

Many veterans turn to policing when they come home. Many law enforcement officers are military reservists. When it comes to helping others in need and securing cherished freedoms, the location of the war or the type of service is not what’s important to our men and women in uniform.

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

As long as these men and women are willing to put their lives at risk for our country, there is indeed great hope for our future.