Happy 97th Birthday, Congressman Biaggi!

Today, the founder of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, U.S. Rep. Mario Biaggi (ret.), celebrates his 97th birthday.

In 1960, then Lieutenant Biaggi received the New York City Police Medal of Honor for Valor, the Department's highest award (pictured above).

Here are just a few more highlights from former Congressman Biaggi's impressive career.

• Served for 23 years as New York City police officer, retiring in 1965 as a Detective Lieutenant.

• Wounded 10 times in the line of duty, and when he retired in 1965, he was the most decorated officer in New York City history.

• Went on to serve 20 years in the U.S. House of Representatives.

• Authored the law to establish the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, among many other legislative accomplishments.

• Founded the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund in 1984.

Join us in wishing Mr. Biaggi the best on his 97th birthday.

FBI National Academy holds Service at Memorial

FBI National Academy students arriving at the Memorial.

On evening of October 22nd, Session 258 of the FBI National Academy held a memorial service at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The FBI National Academy is a professional training course for U.S. and international law enforcement leaders. The Academy serves to improve the administration of justice in police departments and agencies at home and abroad. The training also works to raise law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation worldwide.

Over two hundred students attended the ceremony to honor and remember the fallen officers from their departments. Memorial Fund Chief of Staff Herb Giobbi and head of the National Academy, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Michael Harrigan, made brief remarks during the ceremony. A roll call of fallen officers from the student's departments was read following the speeches. Lastly, the FBI National Academy students retook their law enforcement oath. The FBI National Academy has held several ceremonies at the Memorial, including one this past July.

Wreath Laying Ceremony Held for Fallen Georgia Officer

The students, Metropolitan Police Officer, and the wreath.

Last Friday, October 3, the Memorial Fund welcomed a group of elementary students from three elementary schools in Monroe County, GA, for a special wreath laying ceremony. The students were on a long weekend tour of Washington, DC and wanted to include a visit to the Memorial to honor a fallen officer from their county.

The students carrying the wreath.

The ceremony was to honor Deputy Sheriff Michael Norris of the Monroe County (GA) Sheriff’s Office, who was shot and killed while responding to a suicide call on September 14, 2014. Deputy Norris was a Resource Officer at KB Sutton Elementary School in Forsyth, GA for two years before becoming a patrol officer.

The wreath against the wall.

Three students were chosen to carry the wreath. These students attended KB Sutton Elementary while Deputy Norris was assigned there. They carried a wreath of autumn flowers from the center of the Memorial to Officer Ivorie Klusmann’s (EOW 8/10/13) name on the wall. Officer Klusmann of the DeKalb County (GA) Police Department was the most recent law enforcement officer from Georgia to have his name engraved on the Memorial. The students were escorted by a Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Officer who kindly volunteered to take time out of his day to attend the ceremony.

The students, their chaperones, and Officer.

The sky was a bit overcast and there was a threat of rain, but that did not dampen the spirits of the group. There were many kind words said about Deputy Norris by those in attendance. They said that Deputy Norris was devoted to serving his community and always put others first. The students and their chaperones all wore matching memorial shirts for Deputy Norris that contained his badge number and EOW date. After the wreath was placed at the wall, a moment of silence was held in remembrance of Deputy Norris.

Thank you to the Monroe County students and their chaperones for attending the ceremony. Also, thank you to the Metropolitan Police Department for providing us with an officer for the ceremony.

Memorial Fund Staff Takes Part in Women in Homeland Security Barbecue Cook-Off

Part of the NLEOMF BBQ Cook-Off team

On Saturday, September 27, the Memorial Fund participated in the Fourth Annual Women in Homeland Security Barbecue Cook-Off. Women in Homeland Security (WHS) is a professional organization for women who work in the field of homeland security. The Cook-Off was held at the US Coast Guard TISCOM facility in Alexandria, VA.

Each year, WHS chooses a designee for the proceeds of their cook-off.. This year’s beneficiary was ICE Foundation, which supports US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. Next year, the Memorial Fund will be a beneficiary of the event.

Teams included Fairfax County International Search & Rescue, Bowie (MD) Volunteer Firefighters, US Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association District of Columbia Chapter, InfraGard of the National Capital Region, FBI WFO Citizens Academy Alumni Association, Customs & Border Protection Office of Information Technology, Border Patrol Foundation, and Immigration & Customs Enforcement.

The spread!

Over 250 friends, colleagues, and community members came out to taste the fabulous barbecue offered up by all nine teams. Teams also decorated their tables to showcase their organizations. The teams made all kinds of great barbecue. The Memorial Fund’s Team served barbecue wings, sausage, and grilled vegetables.

Our team was led by Mary Brown (Executive Assistant) with help from her husband Earl Brown and friend Richard Henson. Phillip Henson, husband of our Office Associate, Deloris, made our special sauce. Deloris helped cook the vegetables and keep the whole process organized. Other staff members at the event included Bernie Spence (Director of Research), Wanda Boykins (Development Analyst), Alyssa Foley (Museum Intern), and Robbi Woodson (Law Enforcement Relations Manager).

The Memorial Fund team had a wonderful time cooking barbecue and meeting the supporters of the WHS. The food was delicious and the weather was pristine, making the day perfect.

Thank you to all the members of the Women in Homeland Security for running this fabulous event and for their support. We would also like to send a big thank you to WHS Founder & President Kristina Tanasichuck and Board Member Eileen Parise. The Memorial Fund is looking forward to next year’s Barbecue Cook-Off, so keep an eye out for updates about next year’s event!