Remembering the Law Enforcement Heroes Lost on 9-11

Today, at an intimate gathering held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, Memorial Fund staff and friends were joined by US Park Police Chief Teresa Chambers and Amtrak Police Chief Polly Hanson, to honor the 72 peace officers killed tragically on September 11, 2001, the deadliest day in law enforcement history.

Memorial Fund Chief Operating Officer Herbert Giobbi welcomed guests and shared poignant remarks about that tragic day 12 years ago, followed by a reading of the 72 names by Memorial Fund staff members.

"It is hard to believe that this year marks the 12-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. With the passage of time, the horrific events of 9/11 seem to have faded a bit from our collective consciousness,” said Mr. Giobbi. “But the service and sacrifice of the 72 courageous law enforcement heroes who laid down their own lives that day for the safety and protection of others will always be remembered thanks to ceremonies like this and monuments like the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.”

Here are two articles that reflect on the tragic events of 9/11, written by Memorial Fund Chairman & CEO Craig W. Floyd. These articles were published in American Police Beat Magazine, one month after the attacks, and one year later, respectively:

Reflections from "Ground Zero," October 1, 2001
9/11: A Year Later, August 27, 2002

Clear Channel Outdoor creates moving tribute to fallen Maryland Officer

On August 28, 2013, Baltimore County (MD) Police Officer Schneider was killed while serving a warrant. He was the first officer killed in the line of duty in Maryland in 2013.

Recently, our friends at Clear Channel Outdoor decided to create a special tribute for Officer Schneider. They created a billboard in Baltimore that displayed Officer Schneider’s name beside a Baltimore County Police Badge covered with a mourning band.

This tribute from Clear Channel Outdoor was a wonderful show of support for Officer Schneider’s family, and all members of the Baltimore County Police Department, and all of the passersby who see it serving as an important reminder of the sacrifices that our peace officers make for us each and every day in the name of public safety!

Our Law Enforcement Family

Did you know that our nation’s law enforcement family comprises more than 16 million people?

There are currently 18,000 agencies that represent over 900,000 active officers patrolling our streets and keeping us safe. To put that in perspective, when you look at the current U.S. population of 319 million people, there is only one law enforcement officer for every 350 civilians!

Fortunately, to support those officers, there are 1.6 million civilians whose efforts are vital to assisting officers. These include dispatchers, equipment managers, information technology specialists, and many more. In addition to our active officers, there are over three million retired officers in the U.S.

If you factor in the families of our current and retired law enforcement officers, as well as the families of the civilians who provide officer support, that number reaches more than 16 million people.

We hope that each and every member of the law enforcement family will have the opportunity to visit the National Law Enforcement Museum when it opens in 2015.

Law Enforcement Ambassador & Guardian Spotlight: 2013 Ride & Run to Remember Participants

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.

Throughout the year our Ambassador & Guardian volunteers support our mission to honor law enforcement in many ways. One way is by participating in the annual Law Enforcement Ride & Run to Remember.

The Ride & Run to Remember (October 12-13, 2013) is a fun, community-oriented athletic event designed to honor the contribution and sacrifices law enforcement officers make every day, and encourage community support for the Memorial. So far some Ambassadors & Guardians who will be participating this year include Kevin Whalen, Adam Tager, and actor and Memorial Fund supporter, Vince D’Onofrio.

Kevin Whalen will be participating in the 55-mile bike ride starting and finishing at National Harbor on Saturday, October 12. Kevin will be riding with his colleagues and friends with the FLEOA DC Chapter# 9 Team.

Adam Tager will be participating in the 5K run that starts and finishes at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial on Sunday, October 13. Adam is the team captain of the LEO Supporters Team.

Vince D’Onofrio is participating virtually this year with the Arrested Development Team.

Thanks to these Ambassadors & Guardians for their support. Even if you can’t join us in Washington, DC for the event, we encourage you to register as a Virtual Participant and ride or run in your hometown. Ask your neighbors, friends, and colleagues to join you for a bike ride or a 5K. Virtual participation allows you to create your own course and have some fun—all to raise support for a great cause.

In Memory of Donald J. Guilfoil

The idea for a national memorial honoring America's fallen police officers was actually first proposed in 1972 by Donald J. Guilfoil, a detective with the Suffolk County (NY) Police Department. It was Detective Guilfoil and the Suffolk County PBA who got the initial federal legislation introduced to establish the Memorial. But it was not until 1984, with the formation of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, that the idea started to become a reality.

Yesterday, former Detective Guilfoil passed away. In honor of his passing, the flags at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial will be flown at half staff tomorrow.  We will always remember him as an instrumental leader is building the Memorial as a lasting tribute for our nation’s fallen heroes.

Cleveland Indians Law Enforcement Appreciation Night

On Thursday August 8th, the Cleveland Indians hosted their 2nd Law Enforcement Appreciation night benefiting the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

Before the Indians took to the field against the Detroit Tigers, Memorial Fund friends and supporters gathered as the Cleveland Police Department Honor Guard presented the colors.

Cleveland Police Department Honor Guard

Sheriff Matt Lutz

Sheriff Matt Lutz of the Muskingum County (OH) Sheriff’s Office, the Memorial Fund's January 2012 Officer of the Month Award recipient  was on hand and recognized at home plate for the work that he and his deputies did in protecting the citizens of Muskingum County, OH from the release of 56 exotic animals in October of 2011. Detective Tom Armelli threw out the opening pitch on behalf of the Cleveland Police Museum and Historical Society.

The Cleveland Indians put on a great event that recognized the fallen officers from the Willoughby (OH) Police Department, Cleveland (OH) Police Department and Akron (OH) Police Departments while also highlighting the important work law enforcement does every day to keep us all safe. More than 272 tickets were sold for the game, raising more than $1,300 for the Memorial Fund.

Special thanks to Law Enforcement Ambassador Brent Clark for his hard work getting the word out about the game and working with the Cleveland Indians to honor public safety.

FBI National Academy Class Honors Fallen at the Memorial

Yesterday, a group of law enforcement leaders studying at the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy visited the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s fallen officers.

The group's ceremony began with a presentation of the colors. Following remarks from NLEOMF’s John Shanks, there was a ceremonial wreath-laying. At which time, there was a reading of the names of the FBI’s fallen officers by members of the National Academy class.

Earlier this year, the FBI tragically lost two officers—Agent Christopher Lorek and Special Agent Stephen Shaw—in an accident during a hostage rescue training.