Friday, December 5, 2014

Detroit Red Wings host 4th Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Night

Left to Right: Lieutenant Timothy Jungel,
Deputy Brian Matthews, and Investigator Phillip Seguin
On Thursday, December 4th the Detroit Red Wings teamed up with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to host their 4th Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Night to honor the service and sacrifice of Michigan’s law enforcement officers, corrections officers, and their families. A sell out crowd of 20,027 packed the Joe Louis Arena. This was an exciting game as the Red Wings beat the Dallas Stars with a score of 5-2.

The Michigan State University Police Department
Honor Guard
During a special pre-game ceremony, the Red Wings celebrated the 225th anniversary of the United States Customs Service, the oldest agency of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The Michigan State University Police Department Honor Guard presented the colors during the national anthem. Also during the pre-game ceremony, three officers from Michigan who received the 2014 National Law Enforcement Officers of the Month Award for their heroic actions and dedication to their communities were recognized. The officers are Lieutenant Timothy Jungel of the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office (February), Investigator Phillip Seguin of the Alpena County Sheriff’s Office (April), and Deputy Brian Matthews of the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office (June). These officers will be honored at a special luncheon in May during the 2015 National Police Week in Washington, D.C.

Each ticket package included a commemorative Red Wings/NLEOMF branded Law Enforcement Pint Glass and the first 10,000 fans in attendance received a Pavel Datsyuk holiday ornament. A special thanks to Brent Clark, Jamie Clark, Dan Foley, Bill Hampstead, and the Detroit Red Wings Security Staff for their assistance in organizing another great event.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund


This Thursday, families across the country will join together, many traveling great distances, to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Memorial Fund expresses our gratitude and thanks for all of America's law enforcement officers, especially those who have given up time with their families to protect our travels and ensure our safety.

Everyday, law enforcement officers work to protect and serve the American public. The holidays are no exception, and for this, we are truly thankful.

Monday, November 24, 2014

Nashville Predators 2nd Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Night


Chattanooga Police Department Honor Guard
On Saturday, November 22nd a sellout crowd of just over 17,000 fans inside the Bridgestone Arena gathered to watch the Nashville Predators team up with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to host their 2nd Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Night.

The event was held to honor the service and sacrifice of all Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alabama law enforcement officers and their families. Thanks to this partnership, a portion of the ticket sale proceeds ($10 for each lower level ticket sold and $5 for each upper level ticket) was donated to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

This was an exciting game against the Florida Panthers, and the Predators went on to win in a 3-2 shootout.

A display of police cars and tactical vehicles were on the plaza in front of the arena for the public to view and interact with. The Chattanooga Police Department Honor Guard presented the colors during the National Anthem.

Smyrna Police Department
Detective Richard Hall and
Nashville Metro Police Department
Sergeant Jimmy Reed
A special pre-game ceremony honored Smyrna Police Department Detective Richard Hall and Nashville Metro Police Department Sergeant Jimmy Reed who received the Remington Heroes Award. Fans were also treated to a special Public Service Announcement from Honorary NLEOMF Chairman Clint Eastwood.

A special thanks to Brent Clark, Michael Kruggel and FLEOA Nashville Chapter President Bill DeSantiss, along with Executive Director Maggi McLean Duncan at the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police for their support in assisting us on this special night.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Wreathlaying Ceremony held to honor 20th Anniversary of fallen FBI and MPD officers

On Friday, November 21, the Memorial Fund hosted a Recorded Memorial Tribute event honoring three fallen law enforcement professionals—FBI Special Agents Martha Dixon Martinez and Michael Miller, and DC Metropolitan Police Department Sergeant Henry Daly.

On November 22, 1994, an ex-con was concerned that his fellow gang members thought he might be a snitch in a murder case. To prove them wrong, he walked into Metropolitan (DC) Police headquarters, took an elevator to the Cold Case Squad office, and without saying a word, opened fire with a semi-automatic weapon. Special Agents Martinez and Miller were killed, along with MPD Sergeant Henry J. Daly. Special Agent John Kutcha was critically injured but survived.

Today's event began at St. Patrick’s in the City Catholic Church with a memorial service for the fallen officers. It continued at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, where FBI ALAT John Kutchta and MPD Detective Lorren D. Leadmon (ret.) made poignant remarks about the fallen officers. The ceremony concluded with the families of the fallen officers laying wreaths at their names on the Memorial while the Joint Regional Pipe & Drum Corps played.

The Memorial Fund would like to thank all the offices and people involved with creating such a lovely ceremony.

Friday, November 7, 2014

Columbus Blue Jackets Hold Law Enforcement Appreciation Night

On Tuesday, November 4, the Columbus Blue Jackets and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund held a special Law Enforcement Appreciation Night at Nationwide Arena. Unfortunately the Blue Jackets lost to the Carolina Hurricanes 4-2, but it was still a great night for hockey.

Ohio State Highway Patrol presenting the colors
before the game.
This is the Blue Jackets first Law Enforcement Appreciation Night, and was held to honor the service and sacrifice of Ohio’s law enforcement officers. The night also honored two local law enforcement officers who have gone beyond the call of duty in serving their communities: Lieutenant Karl Barth of the Columbus (OH) Division of Police and Ohio Director of Public Safety (ret.) Thomas Charles.

Lieutenant Barth has been serving his community as a motorcycle officer since 1960 and has been with the department longer than anyone else, having served for 54 years. He has managed the motorcades of every President visiting Columbus since President Kennedy. In a 2011 article from the Columbus Dispatch, Lieutenant Barth stated that he has “no plans yet to retire.” You can read the article here.

Lieutenant Barth and Director Charlies wearing their
new personalized jerseys.
Director Charles began his career as an Ohio State Trooper in 1963, rising through the ranks to Lt. Colonel. He served as the Assistant Superintendent for the Ohio State Highway Patrol before he retired from law enforcement. Director Charles then served as State Inspector for three Ohio governors before he was appointed the Director of Public Safety in 2011. At his retirement last year, Governor John Kasich said, “No single Ohioan has done so much to keep Ohioans safe and enforce the law as Tom Charles." Director Charles will be honored next week with an addition of the Ohio State Patrol Academy being named, The Thomas P. Charles Leadership Wing.

Before the game, the Ohio State High Patrol presented the honor guard to large and supportive crowd. Lieutenant Barth and Director Charles were then honored on the arena and were presented with personalized team jerseys.

A special Thanks to the Ohio State Highway Patrol for supporting the event, along with Columbus Blue Jacket’s Group Sales Specialist Steve Jix, and Memorial Fund Ambassador Bill Swank for organizing the event.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

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.

Friday, October 24, 2014

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.

Monday, October 6, 2014

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.





Thursday, October 2, 2014

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!

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Ambassador & Guardian Spotlight: Kevin Whalen & Aaron Moore

The Ambassador & Guardian program goal is to support the Memorial Fund and honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement. Throughout the year there are many exciting events that our volunteers participate in such as the Ride and Run to Remember.

Law Enforcement Ambassador Kevin Whalen
The Ride and Run to Remember was created to commemorate the October dedication of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. It is a fun, community-oriented athletic event designed to honor the contribution and sacrifice law enforcement officers make every day and encourage community support for the Memorial. This fun-packed weekend includes events at two locations that are easily accessible to those in the DC-Metropolitan area: Saturday's (October 11) 5K run and 2K walk that start and finish at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in downtown Washington, DC, and Sunday's (October 12) 55- or 30-mile bike ride that starts and finishes at National Harbor, MD, just outside of DC.

Ambassador Kevin Whalen will be participating in the 55-mile bike ride on Sunday October 12th. Kevin will be riding with his colleagues and friends with the FLEOA Team. Also, Ambassador Aaron Moore will be participating as a Road Worrier this year, which means doing both the 5K and 55 mile bike ride.
Ambassador Aaron Moore

We encourage all Ambassadors and Guardians to take part in the Ride and Run. Even if you can’t make it to DC, as a virtual participant you will be able to participate from your hometown. Virtual participants who meet the $72 fundraising minimum will receive the participant shirt, finisher medal and all fundraising incentives earned.

Monday, September 29, 2014

Trooper Brian Beuning Receives Officer of the Month Award at Special Press Conference


 Trooper Brian Beuning Receives Officer of the Month Award for September

Trooper Brian Beuning, with the Minnesota State Patrol, received the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund’s Officer of the Month Award on September 22, 2014 during a special press conference at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety in St. Paul, MN. Trooper Beuning was presented with his Officer of the Month Award certificate and was recognized for his excellence in service. The award was presented by Ralph Boelter, Vice President of Corporate Security at Target and Memorial Fund Board of Directors Representative.
Trooper Beuning receiving his Officer of the Month Certificate.

Trooper Beuning speaking at the press conference.
On the evening of June 16, 2014, Trooper Beuning rescued a woman who had been trapped in a car that was stranded in floodwaters near Beaver Creek, MN. Trooper Beuning pulled the woman out of the car just seconds before it was swept away. Trooper Beuning then held on to the woman for 45 minutes until they could be rescued.

Following the certificate presentation, Trooper Beuning responded to questions from the press regarding the event. He discussed his thought process during the rescue, shared details about the rescue, and revealed how the rescue has changed his rescue methods moving forward. He now carries a life jacket and rope in his squad car, just in case he might need to perform another water rescue.

Trooper Beuning and his son, Max.
Despite the honor and praise, Trooper Beuning maintains that he is not a hero. “It’s part of the job,” he said. “Anybody would do it if they came into that situation.” He insists that “we got lucky,” and that while they were waiting for help, “I kept feeling cornstalks hitting the back of my legs, and I kept thinking, when is that tree coming or when is the debris coming. That would have knocked our feet out from underneath us.”

“He’s [Trooper Beuning] the best of the best of the Minnesota State Patrol. He didn’t shy from his duty,” said Lt. Colonel Langer. “He acted with courage and without fear, with probably a little anxiety, as he did his deed that day. He was ultimately able to save that woman from being swept away in her vehicle.”

Trooper Beuning’s wife, Ginger, their two-year old son, Max, and Trooper Beuning’s parents were present to witness the event. Captain Mike Wedin of the Marshall District of Minnesota State Patrol and Lt. Colonel Matt Langer, Acting Chief of the MN State Patrol were also present to honor Trooper Beuning.

The press conference can be seen in full here. Thank you to Mr. Boelter and the Minnesota State Patrol for hosting this wonderful event.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Remembering the Law Enforcement Heroes Lost on 9-11

In observance of the 13th anniversary of the deadliest day in U.S. law enforcement history, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund held a ceremony Thursday morning at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, to remember the 72 peace officers who were killed in the line of duty during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Memorial Fund Chairman & CEO Craig W. Floyd was joined by United States Attorney General Eric Holder and delivered brief remarks introducing the reading of the 72 fallen officers’ names aloud, as the crowd of Memorial Fund staff, peace officers, supporters, and friends gathered to honor the fallen officer’s service and sacrifice.

When all the names had been read aloud, Mr. Floyd was joined by Attorney General Holder and members of the Metropolitan DC Police Department Honor Guard to place a wreath near where the fallen officers’ names are engraved, Panels 9-22 of the Memorial’s West Wall.

“With the passage of time, the horrific events of 9/11 seem to have faded a bit from our collective consciousness,” said Mr. Floyd. “But the service and sacrifice of the 72 courageous law enforcement heroes, who put their lives on the line that day for the safety and protection of others, will always be remembered at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial,” he said.

Among the 72 peace officers who made the ultimate sacrifice that day were 37 sworn members of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, making the department experience the most fatalities ever received during a single day in U.S. History. Also among those killed at the World Trade Center that tragic day include 23 members of the New York City Police Department, five members of the New York State Department of Taxation & Finance, three members of the New York State Office of Court Administration; a special agent with the FBI, a master special officer with the U.S. Secret Service, and a New York City fire marshal who had sworn law enforcement powers. 

In addition, Refuge Manager Richard Guadagno was among the passengers who died in Pennsylvania while fighting to regain control of Flight 93 from the terrorists. Refuge Manager Guadagno was a sworn officer with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

The names of all 72 officers killed on 9/11 can be found on the Memorial Fund website, www.LawMemorial.org/September11th. The names of more than 20,000 officers who have died in the line of duty throughout U.S. history—since the earliest known officer fatality in 1791—are engraved on the Memorial.


Monday, September 8, 2014

New York Yankees Law Enforcement Appreciation Night Honors Officer of the Month Recipient

Investigator John Vescio receiving his award.
Investigator John Vescio of the New York State Police and recipient of our August 2014 Officer of the Month Award was honored for his heroic actions at a special ceremony held during the New York Yankees third Law Enforcement Appreciation Night, which took place on Friday, September 5, at Yankee Stadium. Investigator Vescio was presented with his Officer of the Month Award certificate and was recognized for his service. Unfortunately the Yankees lost to the Kansas City Royals 1-0, but it was still a great evening to watch baseball.

On June 3rd, 2014, Investigator Vescio pulled an unconscious man out of a burning car and dragged him to safety. The man had suffered a diabetic event and passed out, causing him to crash into a gas pump, which as a result caught on fire. Investigator Vescio was off-duty and was filling up his department vehicle at the pump when the incident occurred. His quick police instincts helped him save a life and thus earned the Officer of the Month Award. The whole event was captured on camera. View it here.

Guests of the event

At last Friday’s event, Investigator Vescio and his family were joined by several distinguished members of the Law Enforcement Community and Investigator Vescio’s command staff. Guests included Memorial Fund Chairman & CEO Craig Floyd, Memorial Fund Chief Development Officer Ray Hord, Memorial Fund Director of Development and Law Enforcement Relations John Shanks, the NYC Police Benevolent Association’s John Flynn, and Police Unity Tour Executive Director Harry Phillips.

Tino Martinez, Investigator Vescio, and family
In addition to the guest of honor, Yankees legend Tino Martinez joined the celebration of Investigator Vescio’s award. Martinez helped the Yankees win four World Series between 1996 and 2001, playing at first base.

“It’s always a pleasure to work with the Yankees to hold this wonderful event,” said Craig Floyd, CEO and Chairman of the NLEOMF. “The combination of honoring Law Enforcement and baseball is a proven way to raise awareness and funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Thank you to the Yankees for welcoming us back at Yankee Stadium.”

John Shanks, Craig Floyd, Tino Martinez,
Investigator Vescio, and Harry Phillips

A special Thanks to the New York State Police Department and the New York City Police Benevolent Association for supporting the event, along with New York Yankees Group Sales Manager Joshua Rose, and NLEOMF Director of Development and Law Enforcement Relations John Shanks for organizing the event.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

30 Years Later: Saluting a fallen hero and his amazing legacy



Sergeant Christopher Eney
Thirty years ago, on August 24, 1984, Sergeant Christopher Eney was taking part in a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training exercise when he was accidentally shot and killed by his partner. He was the first line of duty fatality for the US Capitol Police. He was 37 years old and had served with the department for more than 12 years.

In 2009, on the 25th Anniversary of his death, a wreath laying ceremony was conducted at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, where his name is carved on the First Panel on the eighth line on the Western Wall. 

Sergeant Eney’s wife is also honored on the wall. Vivian Eney Cross was not a police officer but a survivor, and used her experiences to assist her in serving as an advocate for police survivors. When the Memorial opened on October 15, 1991, Sergeant Eney’s name was unveiled and Ms. Eney Cross  was honored with a quote engraved underneath the lion located in the Northwest corner of the Memorial, “It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived.”
The lion located in the Northwest corner of the Memorial
This quote could easily apply to how Chris Eney lived his life. Sergeant Eney served as a medic in the US Army with the Green Berets. He then served with the House Plainclothes Division of the US Capitol Police and the CERT team in Washington DC. He advanced to the position of supervisor and quickly garnered a reputation of being one the best supervisors on the department. Jack DeWolfe, a co-worker of Sergeant Eney’s at the USCP, described Chris was always working tirelessly and “always striv[ing] to get the best out of his team members each day.” He acted as a role model for his superiors and never asked anyone to do something that he wouldn’t do himself.  

USCP Blue Badge Medal
Despite the tragedy of his untimely death, Sergeant Eney’s concern for others and his love of life was carried on by his family. During his funeral, his widow and two daughters were more concerned about his co-workers, which was extremely surprising the co-workers since they were expecting to comfort the family, rather than to be comforted themselves. 

Sergeant Eney was posthumously honored with the USCP Blue Badge Medal in recognition of his courage, dedication, and sacrifice. In addition, the Chamber Training Venue within the Capitol Police’s Practical Applications Center in Cheltenham, MD was named after Sergeant Eney following the 25th anniversary of his death.

As we remember 30th anniversary of Sergeant Eney’s death, it is more important than ever to acknowledge the service and sacrifice that he and all other fallen officers have made. Sergeant Eney’s spirit is carried on today in Vivian Eney Cross’s work as an advocate, and in the memories of his friends and coworkers.

Monday, August 11, 2014

Firearms-related fatalities increased 56% in the first half of the year over 2013


According to our preliminary data, 67 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty during the first half of 2014—25 of which were a result of firearms-related incidents.

Craig W. Floyd, the CEO of the Memorial Fund, declared, "The sharp rise in officers killed by gunfire—many in ambush-style attacks—as well as a significant increase in fatal on-duty heart attacks reminds us that much more work needs to be done to improve officer safety and wellness."

And a great deal of that work is being done by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Through the VALOR program, BJA has trained over 15,000 officers across the country to recognize and respond to ambush-style attacks and other intentional assaults on officers. These free nationwide trainings have helped prepare officers for developing dangers in the field.

Learn more and find upcoming trainings at www.ValorForBlue.org

In partnership with the Memorial Fund, the VALOR program issued the following training recommendations based on our preliminary data.

Training Recommendations


Ambush attacks on officers continue to be a leading cause of felonious death among officers and these attacks can occur at any time. Routine activities such as completing reports, mapping an address to a call or talking to a complainant can turn deadly if officers are not constantly practicing situational awareness.  Be on guard at all times.

As the most visible sign of government, law enforcement officers are often targeted by anti-government groups. Review your training on the tactics used by these extremists groups so you can remain vigilant and stay safe.

Investigating suspicious persons and circumstances was the leading cause of firearms-related fatalities in the first half of this year.  When responding to these types of calls make sure you have proper back-up and never take a suspicious activity call casually.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Cleveland Indians host 3rd Law Enforcement Appreciation Night


Cleveland Police Color Guard presented the Colors during the 
National Anthem and pre-game ceremony.
On Tuesday, August 5th the Cleveland Indians and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund held a special Law Enforcement Appreciation Night at Progressive Field as the Indians completed a two-game series with the Cincinnati Reds. Unfortunately the Indians lost 9-2 at the game, but it was still a great night of baseball.

The event, in its third season at Progressive Field, was dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of all law enforcement and correctional officers and their families.


NLEOMF ambassador, Alex Behnen, a commander with the
Columbus Ohio Division of Police throws out the ceremonial first pitch.
“It was great to be back in Cleveland to celebrate our third annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Night with the Tribe," said Craig W. Floyd, Chairman and CEO of the Memorial Fund. “Coming together at Progressive Field to honor our nation’s law enforcement officers, while enjoying a fun night of baseball, was a great way to raise awareness and funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. I’m thankful to the Tribe for welcoming us once again.”

A special Thanks to Ohio Association of Chiefs Police, Ohio Fraternal Order of Police‎ and Cleveland Police Historical Society for supporting the event, along with Cleveland Indians account representative Matt Gay and NLEOMF Ambassadors Alex, Behnen, Bill Swank, Brent Clark for organizing the event.

Sgt. Michael Maughmer of the Ohio State Highway Patrol poses with his father 
on the field just prior to singing the National Anthem.