Baseball season may be over, but the NHL is showing their law enforcement appreciation!

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund finished off the 2018 baseball season on a good note, having hosted multiple Law Enforcement Appreciation events in July with the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners and Miami Marlins. In August, we traveled to the Detroit for the Tiger's second law enforcement event this year, made a quick stop in Cincinnati and then it was off to the "Big Apple" where baseball fans received a co-branded Memorial Fund/New York Yankees baseball cap with their ticket package. We finished out August with the Minnesota Twins (special shout-out to Minnesota COPS Chapter, Minnesota Chiefs of Police and Jeff Beahen/Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association for making it a great event) and the Milwaukee Brewers on August 24.

Speaking the of Milwaukee Brewers, they sure know how to put on a ballpark-wide Law Enforcement Night, in partnership with the Brewers Community Foundation. Each ticket package came with a Brewers Law Enforcement Challenge Coin. Fans were treated to an on-field parade, special pregame ceremony and tribute video to law enforcement. Multiple honor guards participated in the national anthem honoring Wisconsin Law Enforcement. The Brewers also treated area law enforcement officers and their families to a hospitality suite during the game. Our thanks for the Taylor Goldman and the Brewers, Nate Catura/FLEOA Wisconsin, Milwaukee Police Association, Wisconsin Chiefs of Police, Wisconsin Fraternal Order of Police and the Wisconsin COPS for their support and making it a great event. 

If that wasn't enough, September was just as busy as the Texas Rangers, in partnership with the Peace Officers Angel Foundation of Texas (POAF), hosted a law enforcement night which honored Texas law enforcement. Other teams who hosted law enforcement appreciation nights in September included New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals - who hosted two law enforcement nights - and the Boston Red Sox. Despite the rain delays in Boston, it was still a great event. Kids of area law enforcement officers were welcomed to say "Play Ball" to start the game after the pregame ceremony. Along with other in-game recognition, it was another successful event. Congratulations to the Boston Red Sox for winning the 2018 World Series. Special thanks to Carl Grider, Emily Ladroga and the New England COPS Chapter!

The 2018-19 NHL season has started and many teams are also teaming up with us for law enforcement appreciation events. See the schedule at www.LawMemorial.org/sports. Teams include the Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators, Columbus Blue Jackets, Arizona Coyotes, New Jersey Devils and the Vegas Golden Knights.

Double the Impact on Students from Area Title 1 Schools on #GivingTuesday

When the National Law Enforcement Museum was first envisioned, we wanted it to be a place where law enforcement and community members could come together and open a dialogue. Just a month after opening, we’ve made great strides in fulfilling this part of our mission. And one of the best examples is admitting students from area Title 1 schools to visit the Museum for free. You can double the number of students admitted for free with your donation today.

With each visit, students can play the role of a detective or forensic scientist in our Take the Case exhibit, dispatch calls for service in our 911 Emergency Ops exhibit or try their hand at split-second decision-making in our Training Simulator — they learn the story of American law enforcement through a “walk in the shoes” experience.

It’s a great experience for students to see the different aspects of law enforcement and meet with officers at the Museum. As part of their visit, the go to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial across the street, where they see the names of 21,541 officers killed in the line of duty and learn about the sacrifices those officers made to keep them safe.

This wonderful opportunity is made possible through generous donations like yours. We ask that on this Giving Tuesday you consider a donation that helps these students — the future of our country — learn more about this noble profession. Some of these students might end up becoming officers themselves!

You can make a $30 donation today and help 3 Title 1 students come to the Museum for free. If you donate $50, 5 students will learn the story of law enforcement in America. Donations up to $5,000 will be matched thanks to the wonderful generosity of a donor in honor of Marie Pinch, who devoted her life to the education of children.

Thank you for helping us educate more students knowing they will carry on the lessons they learn at the Museum.

Sincerely,

David L. Brant
Executive Director
National Law Enforcement Museum

Nationals, Cubs, Royals, Tigers, Rockies, Indians, Rays... OH MY!

This summer is turning out to be a hot one and so are the Law Enforcement Nights at Major League Baseball games across the country.

We kicked off May with National Police Week in Washington, DC, where the Washington Nationals honored law enforcement on May 15 as the Nationals took on the New York Yankees. Despite the rain, it was still a fun night out for all who attended. The National Law Enforcement Museum, which will open in October, received the Washington Nationals Spirit Award. Our thanks to Kevin Nawrocki and the Nationals for supporting and honoring law enforcement during National Police Week.

The honoring of law enforcement continued in the "Windy City" on May 23 as the Chicago Cubs hosted their annual law enforcement appreciation night at Wrigley Field. The Cubs battled the Cleveland Indians and fell short in a 1-0 score. Each fan that purchased the law enforcement package received a Cubs law enforcement tumbler. Prior to the game, members of the Chicago (IL) Police Department Honor Guard presented the colors and performed the national anthem while law enforcement officers and their families were honored throughout the game. Our thanks to Patrick Anhut and Jason Tuton of the Chicago Cubs Groups Sales Team for another first-class event.

May finished strong as the Kansas City Royals honored law enforcement on May 29 as they took on the Minnesota Twins and won in a final score of 2-1. It was also a win for law enforcement as prior to the game Les Kerr, a well-known native of Kansas and a law enforcement professional, threw out the ceremonial first pitch (it was a strike). Kansas City (MO) Police Officer Dustin Dierenfeldt sang the national anthem as the Olathe (KS) Police Department Honor Guard presented the colors. Each fan in attendance that bought the special law enforcement ticket package received a commemorative challenge coin. Our thanks to Scott Barthelmass, Ariel Peralta and the Royals for supporting local law enforcement.

The winning kept going on May 30 as National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund staff traveled to "Motor City" as the Detroit Tigers battled the Los Angeles Angels and won in a final score of 6-1. Comerica Park was again showing its support for law enforcement as fans were treated to a police car display in front of the ballpark from a variety of Michigan police agencies. During the pre-game ceremony, retired U.S. Border Patrol Agent Mark Hall was recognized for his 33 years of service to the Border Patrol and its Detroit Station. Mark was presented with a letter and gift on behalf of Memorial Fund CEO Craig Floyd.

Throwing out a fast ball for the ceremonial first pitch was Police Unity Tour Executive Director Harry Phillips. The Downriver Honor Guard, which is a part of the Michigan SMART Honor Guard, presented the colors. Fans also witnessed a Blackhawk helicopter flyover by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Detroit Air Station. Each fan that purchased the special ticket package received a law enforcement challenge coin and Thin Blue Line USA bracelet. During the game, fans were treated to a special video about StandWith Honor, a law enforcement membership at the National Law Enforcement Museum. At the game, a group of Police Unity Tour riders from the Capital City Chapter caught up with Harry Phillips and Memorial Fund staff. Due to the popularity and high demand of this event, a second date has been added for Sunday August 12. Tickets are on sale now at www.tigers.com/law2. Big shout-out and salute to Dan Foley, Mark Hall, Brent Clark, Kris Grogan, Jerry Connors, Betsy Bouillon and the Tigers staff for making this event one of the premier group events at Comerica Park.

We got a chance to catch our breath in June, which turned out to be a good month as the Memorial Fund paid a visit to the Colorado Rockies on June 10 and the Cleveland Indians on June 23. The Denver (CO) Police Department Honor Guard presented colors at the Rockies game. Our thanks to the Bill Swank organization and the Cleveland State University Honor Guard for presenting the colors at Progressive Field during the Indians Law Enforcement Night.

Summer is heating up and so are the sporting events. The July 4th week kicked off in Tampa Florida as the Rays hosted Law Enforcement Day at Tropicana Field. The Lakeland (FL) Police Honor Guard made the 60-mile trip south to St. Petersburg and presented the colors. The Rays took on the 2017 World Series Houston Astros and came out on top in a final 3-2 win! The Rays’ special ticket package included a Rays baseball cap, free parking, the Rays Touch Tank and access to the Ted Williams Museum. Thanks to Yolanda Fernandez, the St. Petersburg (FL) Police Department, Jeanne Drury, Kim Couts and the Tampa Bay Rays for the hospitality.

Still want more baseball? Want to work on your 7th inning stretch? For the latest schedule of sporting events visit www.LawMemorial.org/Sports. Upcoming teams include the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Marlins, Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins and Milwaukee Brewers.

2018 Law Enforcement Appreciation events kick off

On January 4, the 2018 Law Enforcement Appreciation events were kicked off in the Twin Cities with the Minnesota Wild. Despite the cold weather, the Wild beat the Buffalo Sabres in a final score of 6-2 as we honored Minnesota law enforcement. Our thanks to Jeff Beahen and the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association, the Minnesota Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association and the Minnesota Chiefs of Police.

From Minnesota we traveled down to Tampa, Fla., as the Lightning took on the Calgary Flames. The Lightning lost a tough game with a final score of 5-1. Area law enforcement officers were honored at the start of the game on the video board. The Lightning had police agencies and an interactive display on the plaza prior to the game, as well as a police/fire honor guard. Law enforcement and their families were treated to great hospitality. Our thanks to Cindy Roberts and the Tampa Bay "COPS" Chapter for their assistance in the event, as well as Sam Reiner of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Ohio law enforcement honored at NHL game

November was a busy month as the NHL hosted several Law Enforcement Appreciation Nights in honor of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. On November 17 the Columbus Blue Jackets hosted their annual First Responders/Law Enforcement Night which was a huge success.

A sold-out crowd watched the Blue Jackets beat the visiting New York Rangers with a final score of 2-0. 

The Columbus (OH) Division of Police Mounted, Motorcycle & Freeway Units were on hand, as well as the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Columbus Division of Fire, to greet arriving fans.   

The Columbus Division of Police Motorcycle and Freeway Units provided a VIP escort to the family of Kirkersville (OH) Police Chief Eric DiSario from their home to the game. They were hosted by the Blue Jackets at a pregame experience on the ice, and after the game they were invited in the Blue Jackets locker room by player Cam Atkinson. 

Several families of first responders were able to greet players as they entered the ice and children of local law enforcement officers were able to ride the Zamboni throughout the evening.

During the first intermission the Columbus Division of Police Chief Kim Jacobs’ patrol cruiser was driven around the ice by CPD Officer of the Month Anthony L. Johnson. 

Interactive stations were located throughout the arena for the fans to visit, along with K9 demonstrations by Columbus Airport Police Officer David Knepper and his K9 partner.

The Franklin County (OH) Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad brought their robot to explain how they use their special equipment. 

Special thanks to the Columbus Blue Jackets organization, especially Malinda Smith, Dani Knell and Cam Atkinson. Our thanks to the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, Columbus Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police for their continued support of this great event.

MLB's Indians, Brewers Honor Law Enforcement

The Cleveland Indians hosted their annual Law Enforcement Night on August 5 against the New York Yankees. It was an exciting night supporting and honoring law enforcement despite the Indians coming up short in a 2-1 loss before a sold-out crowd at Progressive Field.

Prior to the game, Columbus (OH) Police Department Commander Robert Meader threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Commander Meader is a native of Cleveland and as a teenager worked in the concessions department with the Indians. His brother-in-law was a Columbus police officer who was killed in the line of duty. During the pre-game ceremony Ohio State Highway Patrol Sergeant Michael Maughmer performed the national anthem as the Wellington (OH) Police Department Honor Guard presented the colors. Fans were also treated to a special video on the National Law Enforcement Museum’s Stand With Honor program www.StandWithHonor.us.

A special thanks to the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, the Cleveland Indians and the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police for assisting in this annual event.

Milwaukee Brewers

On August 11 in Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Brewers hosted their annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Night. This is the seventh year the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund has teamed up with the Brewers. More than 2,000 law enforcement officers from local, state and federal agencies, along with their families and friends, came out for the event. Brewer fans were treated to a special pre-game ceremony honoring Wisconsin’s finest, including a helicopter flyover performed by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Wisconsin Honor Guard Association on the field presenting the colors, as well as the Memorial Fund flag.

The Memorial Fund Officer of the Month award recipients for March 2017 officers Andy Hopfensperger and Ryan Bula of the Antigo (WI) Police Department threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

A special thanks to the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association, Wisconsin Chapter of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Wisconsin State Troopers Association, Milwaukee Police Association, Maggie Aliota and the Milwaukee Brewers Foundation for sponsoring the special challenge coins that were given away that night.

If you missed these events, check out www.LawMemorial.org/Sports for the latest law enforcement events happening across the country.

Law Enforcement Honored By World Series Champions

On Wednesday, May 17, the 2016 World Series Champions Chicago Cubs honored area law enforcement during their annual Law Enforcement Night at Wrigley Field. More than 1,550 law enforcement officers, friends, families and supporters came out to watch the Cubs take on the Cincinnati Reds. The Cubs won with a final score of 7-5. 

Everyone that bought this special offer received a Chicago Cubs Beanie Cap. Not only was it Law Enforcement Night at Wrigley, but it was also National Police Week. The Chicago Cubs posted a special marquee message honoring law enforcement. During the pre-game ceremonies at Wrigley Field, the Chicago Police Department Honor Guard presented the colors. 

Our thanks to Samuel Schlechter and the Chicago Cubs Groups Sales Team, along with James Reynolds and the Security Team, for their assistance in making this a great event. For other Major League Baseball Law Enforcement Night events, visit: www.LawMemorial.org/Sports.