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.

Red Sox honor Boston-area law enforcement

Monday, May 1, was a great night in Red Sox Nation as the Boston Red Sox honored Massachusetts-area law enforcement departments and officers, as well as the surrounding New England area, during the 6th annual Law Enforcement Night at Fenway Park.

The evening’s recognition and remembrance of law enforcement started off with Pauline Carter-Wells of the Cambridge (MA) Police Department singing the national anthem as the Boston University (MA) Police Department Honor Guard presented the colors. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Director of Law Enforcement Relations Matt Palardy threw out the ceremonial first pitch, and was joined by Memorial Fund Board Vice Chair Jon Adler, the New England COPS Chapter and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly.

Children of fallen officer families had the opportunity to say "Play Ball" at home plate before the game. Families of the officers who were killed in the line of duty in 2016, and who will be remembered and honored during the 2017 National Police Week, were also honored on field before the game.

This special night also gave Memorial Fund the opportunity to promote the Stand With Honor (www.StandWithHonor.us) program to a diverse group of law enforcement leaders and associations. 

The Boston Red Sox ended up falling short to the Baltimore Orioles in an exciting game in a final score of 5-2.

We would like to thank the Carl Grider and the Boston Red Sox Group Sales Team, Boston Red Sox Security Team, Boston Police Department, New England COPS Chapter, New England Association Chiefs of Police and the Massachusetts Police Association for their support of this event. For the latest schedule of law enforcement events with Major League Baseball Teams visit www.LawMemorial.org/sports.

Fallen Officer Names Buried at Museum Construction Site

Braving temperatures in the teens, Memorial Fund President and CEO Craig W. Floyd climbed down 65 feet into the construction site of the National Law Enforcement Museum. Strapped to his back as he climbed down several ladders on this December day, was a wooden box containing rubbings of names of fallen officers from the Memorial across the street.

The rubbings were part of a project from National Police Week in 2014. Visitors to the Memorial were asked to make extra rubbings of their loved one’s names so they could be placed into a capsule and embedded into the Museum underneath the area which will contain the Museum’s Hall of Remembrance. Hundreds of rubbings were collected and they waited for the day when they could be forever sealed into the foundation of the building designed to tell their profession’s story. That day came on December 15, 2016.

Mr. Floyd carefully delivered the capsule to its final resting place. He gently placed the wooden box into the ground, and shoveled in the dirt on top. Concrete will soon be poured over the site as construction for the Museum continues.

The Museum is expected to be completed  in 2018.

NHL's Blue Jackets Honor First Responders and Families

It was a great night on November 18 in downtown Columbus as the surrounding community and the State of Ohio poured into the Nationwide Arena for the annual Columbus Blue Jackets First Responders Night. Not only did this night honor Ohio First Responders, it also honored and recognized the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. More than $4,000 were raised for the first National Law Enforcement Museum.

The Blue Jackets hosted the New York Rangers and won in an exciting game with a final score of 4-2.

Prior to the start of the game, the Blue Jackets observed a moment of remembrance for Columbus (OH) Police Officer Steve Smith and Hilliard (OH) Police Officer Sean Johnson as their families were recognized on the ice. 

Mounted police on horses welcomed fans outside Nationwide Arena while concourse attractions included a K-9 unit, a bomb squad robot, a CPR training station and a dress-up station where kids were able to try on police, firefighter and bomb squad gear. In addition, fans were treated to pre-game and first intermission performances by the Columbus Police & Fire Pipes & Drums, a group of active-duty or retired Columbus police officers and firefighters.

  

Columbus Division of Police officer Alex Behnen and Gary Leister were given a personalized jersey from the team in a ceremony at intermission. They were honored for discovering two historical line of duty deaths that were not known or recognized locally or in Washingon, DC, at the national memorial.  

After the game Hilliard and Columbus police officers and their families were invited down on the ice for group photos. Blue Jackets' Cam Atkinson met the kids and parents in the locker room.

Our thanks to Malinda Smyth, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Nationwide Arena for saluting First Responders and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Special thanks to the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, Ohio Fraternal Order of Police, City of Columbus Police Department and Bill Swank for their efforts in assisting with this event.

Memorial Commemorates 25th Anniversary with FBI National Academy

Dressed in the standard khaki cargo pants and green polo shirts, the members of the 266th Session of the FBI National Academy walked among walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial on Wednesday night. As the sun started to set, they kneeled by the 20,789 names. Some sat nearby in silence, others etched names they recognized onto paper.

The officers looked across E Street at the wide 30-foot hole in the ground, part of the construction that will eventually become the National Law Enforcement Museum. They talk about making a trip back to Washington, DC, in mid-2018, when the Museum is slated to open.

The FBI’s Jeffery S. McCormick started the wreathlaying ceremony with the introduction, welcoming the 266th Session to the Memorial. The presentation of colors was provided by the Alexandria (VA) Police Department.

Memorial Fund President and CEO Craig W. Floyd was happy to have the members of the National Academy at the Memorial this week.

“Tonight you help us commemorate a very special milestone in law enforcement history,” he said. “It was 25 years ago this past Saturday, on October 15, 1991, when we dedicated this majestic monument that was built to honor the men and women in law enforcement. To honor our service, remember those who have sacrificed their lives in the performance of duty.”

Mr. Floyd took a few minutes to share the history of the Memorial, how it was built and the special significance of Judiciary Square, where the Memorial, and soon the Museum, stands.

“It was in 1972 when a detective from Suffolk County in New York, by the name of Donald Guilford, had the vision to build a national law enforcement officers memorial. And he took that to his local Congressman, and they introduced a bill. Language for some time, but ultimately they went to a leader among law enforcement. His name was Mario Biaggi, a Congressman from New York City. He had served for 23 years with the New York City Police Department. A legendary figure, he was wounded 10 times in the line of duty, the most decorated officer in New York City history when he retired in 1965. He served 20 years in Congress, and he always said one of his proudest, if not the proudest, achievement he ever had was the establishment of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

“He introduced the legislation, became law in 1984. And after seven years of dedicated effort, we opened this monument to the public. It wasn’t easy. It took us two years to pick the specific site it should be built on. Congress didn’t legislate that. So we scoured the city, and we came upon Judiciary Square, where we’re standing here tonight. They say that President George Washington once stood in this very place. He decided that this Judiciary Square would become the seat of our judicial branch of government, the seat of criminal justice in America. It’s one of the three major spaces they designed Washington around. We felt that this was the spot to honor the men and women who enforce the laws of our nation, and keep the peace.

“So in 1991, when we dedicated this memorial, there were 12,561 names added to these Memorial walls. It was a Herculean task to identify those fallen heroes. It’s never been done before. We were the first.”

Minnesota Wild Supports Law Enforcement at Special Game

On Tuesday night, the Minnesota Wild held their annual law enforcement night to honor and recognize Minnesota Law Enforcement.

The Wild battled the Los Angeles Kings in an exciting game where the Wild came out on top in a final score of 6-3.

This special night benefited the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, and each fan that purchased a discounted ticket through the special offer received a co-branded Minnesota Wild and Memorial Fund rally towel and were treated to a pregame party.

Prior to the game, law enforcement friends, family and supporters gathered on the ice for a photo.

The next Minnesota Wild law enforcement night will take place in early 2017. For other law enforcement night events with NHL teams across the country visit www.LawMemorial.org/sports.

We salute the Minnesota Wild on supporting the thin blue line. Good luck this season!

Law Enforcement Recognized Throughout Major League Baseball

On Saturday, September 17, the Cleveland Indians brought their entire "Tribe" out as the Indians battled the Detroit Tigers in extra innings as they continue to fight for the playoffs and a chance to win the American League Central. The Indians won 1-0.

Not only was it a big win for the "Tribe" but it was a special win for law enforcement as the Indians held their annual Law Enforcement Night at Progressive Field.

Before the game started, a moment of silence was held in honor of Ohio State Trooper Kenneth Velez who was struck and killed by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop in Cleveland on September 15. Trooper Velez is the seventh officer to be struck and killed in 2016 and the fourth law enforcement fatality for the state of Ohio.

The National Anthem was performed by Sergeant Michael Maughmer of the Ohio State Highway Patrol as the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department Honor Guard presented the colors.

Throwing out the first pitch (which was a strike) and representing Federal Law Enforcement was Ohio native and current United States Marshal of the Northern District of Ohio Peter Elliott.

Despite the overcast weather, 26,654 were attendance to witness a great game and a great night supporting law enforcement, which raised over $2,700 for the Memorial Fund.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund would like to thank JP Makari and the Group Sales Team, Cleveland Indians Community Impact Team, Bill Swank, Ohio Chiefs of Police Association, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association Cleveland Chapter and the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police for their support and making it a great event.

Also around the league, Texas Rangers also hosted Law Enforcement Night on Saturday, honoring our August 2016 Officer of the Month Award winners Ed Pietrowski and Michael Sarro. This event was held in partnership with the Texas Rangers and the Police Officers Angel Foundation. Special thanks to Maria Alvarado and Zak Ganter.

For the latest law enforcement sporting events, visit www.lawmemorial.org/sports.

Twin Cities Honor Law Enforcement on 9-11 Anniversary

The afternoon game on Sunday, Sept. 11, was a day to remember in the Twin Cities as the Minnesota Twins and the Cleveland Indians honored and recognized Minnesota law enforcement and paid tribute to those who died on the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Great weather was on hand as more than 20,300 were in attendance for Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

Before the game, representatives from the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association, Minnesota Sheriffs Association and the Concerns of Police Survivors’ (C.O.P.S.) Minnesota Chapter gathered at home plate as the St. Paul Police Department Honor Guard presented the colors during the national anthem. The Minnesota Twins Territory Flag was raised and saluted by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association’s Minnesota Chapter.

The Minnesota Twins salute law enforcement and thank everyone for attending and supporting the annual event. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund would like to give special thanks to Luis Breazeal and Sam Henschen and to the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association for going above and beyond and making this a great event.

Other NLEOMF events that took place on Sunday, Sept. 11, included games with the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros. For the latest in law enforcement appreciation sporting events visit www.lawmemorial.org/sports.

Kansas City Honors Law Enforcement

On Monday, July 18, the Kansas City Royals and Major League Baseball teamed up with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund as they hosted the annual Law Enforcement Night at the "K" as the World Series Champions Kansas City Royals battled the Cleveland Indians. The Royals beat the Indians in a final score of 7-3. 

More than 38,000 were in attendance on this special night which gave the general public along with family and friends to come out to the "K" and honor and thank law enforcement.

The Royals' support for police took on extra significance that evening in wake of recent shootings in Dallas and Baton Rouge. Slain Kansas City (KS) Police Detective Brad Lancaster was also honored by the Kansas City Royals. Detective Lancaster was killed in the line of duty earlier this year helping other officers respond to a suspicious person near the Kansas Speedway.  

Detective Lancaster daughters threw out the first pitch as Kansas City Police Officer Dustin Dierenfeldts sang the National Anthem.

Royals manager Ned Yost says he has a deep respect for the officers who work at Kauffman Stadium and on the streets. 

"We know how important they are to everybody's safety," Yost said before the game. "To continue to find ways and to support them for what they do. They are very important to this community and every community." 

Our thanks goes out to all the law enforcement officers and the Royals fans that attended, special thanks to Royals Group Sales Representative Ariel Peralta and Community Relations Director Ben Aken. For the latest on law enforcement sporting events visit www.lawmemorial.org/sports.

Washington Nationals Host Law Enforcement Night

In the second game of a doubleheader, the Washington Nationals hosted law enforcement officers, their families and supporters on Saturday, May 14, 2016. Anne Arundel County State Attorney W‎es Adams joined Police Unity Tour members Maggie Deboard, Tim Benedict and Karen Bonz on the field for a pre-game ceremony.

Police Unity Tour 2016

Shortly after 2 pm today, over 2,000 members of the Police Unity Tour completed their long journey to Washington, DC. Participants traveled hundreds of miles over the past three days 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 the Police Unity Tour presented a check for $2.32 million to Craig W. Floyd, President & CEO of the the Memorial Fund.

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 officers killed in the line of duty.

37th Annual Washington Area Police Memorial Service

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 37th Annual Washington Area Police Memorial Service at MPD’s Headquarters in downtown DC, with Shawn Anderson of WTOP News 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 2015, including Carolyn Cross, Craig Chandler, Noah Leotta, and Brennan Rabain.

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 Representatives from the DC Department of Corrections, Baltimore City Police Department, Montgomery County Police Department, and Prince George's County Police Department 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 as the names of the fallen were read.

The names of the officers honored at the service today will be dedicated on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial at the 28th Annual Candlelight Vigil this Friday, May 13 at 8:00 pm, along with 252 other officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

For more information about National Police Week 2016, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.LawMemorial.org/PoliceWeek.

New York Yankees Host Law Enforcement Night in the Bronx

The constant mist on a cold night in May couldn’t keep New York Yankees fans from one of the biggest rivalries in sports. With the Boston Red Sox in town for the first time this season, scores of people traveled from all around the tri-state area for an exciting game on Friday, May 6, down to the final out.

Hundreds of fans were also there in support of local law enforcement, as the Yankees hosted Law Enforcement Appreciation Night at Yankee Stadium. Fans traveled from as far away as Texas to watch the Yankees beat the Red Sox 3-2. They also saw a little more action that they had anticipated in the ninth inning as Red Sox DH David Ortiz was struck out with bases loaded, blowing a chance to tie or even win the game. An angry Ortiz, who had scored a home run in the first inning, immediately ran back on the field and accosted the umpire, giving everyone a story to take home that night.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund would like to thank the New York Yankees for the opportunity to share this game with the local law enforcement, their families and supporters. A special thanks to David Sibelman and the rest of the Group Sales & Service Department. 

The Yankees will host another Law Enforcement Appreciation event on Sunday, September 11, 2016. Special discounted tickets will go on sale later this summer.

21st Annual LawRide

Today, law enforcement officers and motorcycle enthusiasts gathered at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC for the 21st Annual LawRide to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Hundreds of motorcyclists cruised past the U.S. Capitol, down Pennsylvania Avenue, and up 5th Street on their way to the Memorial.



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

For more information about National Police Week 2016, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.LawMemorial.org/PoliceWeek.