MORGANVILLE, NJ: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NPDF Pays $10,000 Safe Cop Reward to Informant in Murder of Melvindale Officer The NPDF’s $10,000 Safe Cop reward was instrumental in developing information that led to the arrest and conviction of the killer of a Michigan police officer. Michael Lopez, 44, of Southfield, Michigan murdered Melvindale Police Cpl. Mohamed […]
Secretary
Christopher Santangelo is a veteran federal law enforcement professional with more than 27 years of investigative experience. His distinguished career spans the United States Park Police, ATF, USDA Office of Inspector General, and FDIC Office of Inspector General, where he specialized in financial crime, fraud, and national security investigations.
Adam Cothron
Tennessee State Trooper
The National Police Defense Foundation (NPDF) has announced the offering of a $10,000 Safe Cop reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspects responsible for the July 19th, 2024 shooting of Tennessee State Trooper Adam Cothron.
The Trooper stopped 25-year-old Timothy Davis, a previously convicted murderer, and 29-year-old Braze Rucker for operating a white Kia Forte with a defective taillight.
Trooper Cothron was approaching the vehicle when Rucker rolled down the passenger window and opened fire with a handgun from the driver’s seat, striking Trooper Cothron in the right shoulder, near his clavicle. The two then sped off after the shooting, abandoning their car in Gallatin, Tennessee where they attempted to burn it.
Both Rucker and Davis have been arrested, however, the NPDF Reward is offered to anyone who has information that is necessary to their successful prosecution and conviction.
In May 2026, both suspects responsible for the shooting of Tennessee State Trooper Adam Cothron were convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Trooper Cothron survived the attack and continues his recovery following extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
The National Police Defense Foundation’s Safe Cop initiative helped bring additional national attention to the case through its public reward offer supporting investigative and prosecutorial efforts. Safe Cop rewards are only paid when information provided by a source directly contributes to the arrest and conviction of a suspect.
The Plight of Robert Ledogar – Supervisory Deputy US Marshall
December 5, 2024
Robert Ledogar was a Supervisory Deputy US Marshall for the Eastern District of New York with over thirty years of unblemished military and law enforcement service. In his stellar career, he was involved in the apprehension of El Chapo and many other high-profile cases.
In 2016, Robert was presented with a distasteful situation where a group of subordinate Deputy Marshalls were harassing a female Deputy Marshall who was gay. The harassment included physical assault, sexual harassment, and other unlawful discriminatory conduct by officers who were part of the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. Ledogar reassigned the Deputy U.S. Marshal from the Task Force for her own safety, supported her in filing complaints, and pressed for an internal investigation of the harassment.
Bob Ledogar ultimately corroborated the Deputy U.S. Marshal’s accounts and detailed the Task Force members’ misconduct during multiple investigatory interviews under oath. Over the next four-and-a-half years, however, Bobby was made the target of at least four Internal Affairs investigations and subjected to a half-dozen interviews, all concerning allegations fabricated by the very officers whose misconduct Bobby had exposed when defending and supporting this female Deputy U.S. Marshal.
The baselessness of these allegations was patently obvious and known to the agency. The first three investigations were ultimately closed as the allegations were found to be unsubstantiated. Yet the agency made it its mission to search relentlessly for a pretext and otherwise to punish Bobby, whose vocal defense of a colleague and public opposition to misconduct had brought negative publicity to the Task Force and to the agency.
Throughout these investigations, the agency recycled similar baseless allegations, including some already declared to be unsubstantiated, and bombarded Bobby with dehumanizing and inflammatory questions at nearly every interview. The agency ultimately terminated Bobby from service just two months shy of his eligibility for retirement.
In August 2021, with the assistance of the NPDF, Ledogar finally won his appeal with the US Marshall Service and was awarded his pension.
JUSTICE FOR NYPD SERGEANT ERIK DURAN LEGAL DEFENSE FUND
The National Police Defense Foundation (NPDF), a congressionally recognized and IRS designated non-profit organization, would like to bring to your attention the plight of NYPD Sergeant Erik Duran, who was found guilty of manslaughter in February 2026, in a case where the NPDF feels a miscarriage of Justice occurred.
In August 2023, Sgt. Erik Duran, a highly decorated member of the NYPD, was supervising a “buy and bust” operation in the Bronx. One of the suspects attempted to evade capture by mounting a nearby motorcycle and driving it on the sidewalk, directly at responding officers. Fearing that his officers would be seriously injured or killed by fleeing felon Eric Duprey, Sgt. Duran grabbed an Igloo cooler and hurled it at Duprey to divert him from crashing into his officers, their prisoner, or bystanders.
Sgt. Duran’s actions saved the lives of innocent civilians nearby, his officers and their prisoner. Unfortunately, suspect Duprey, a known member of the Trinitarios street gang who was not wearing a helmet, was killed. Attorney General Leticia James chose to prosecute the Sergeant for Manslaughter, and after a bench trial in February 2026, Sgt. Duran was found guilty of Second-degree Manslaughter.
On April 9th, 2026, Judge Guy Mitchell sentenced the former Sergeant to three to nine years in prison, and he was immediately taken into custody after sentencing in what the National Police Defense Foundation believes is a blatant miscarriage of justice. We believe that Sgt. Duran never intended for the suspect to be injured or killed. The sole predicate for his actions that day was to protect his officers, other suspects and bystanders from Duprey, who recklessly fled at a high rate of speed along a pedestrian walkway created a clear and present danger of death or serious bodily injuries to others, thereby justifying the Sergeant’s actions.
At the direction of Executive Director Joseph Occhipinti and the Executive Board, the National Police Defense Foundation has created the Sgt. Erik Duran Legal Defense Fund. We encourage all our members to donate whatever they can so that bail can be arranged for the former Sergeant pending appeal.
The National Police Defense Foundation is a Congressionally recognized and IRS approved 501 (c) 3 organization dedicated to protecting and defending law enforcement. All donations are tax deductible. Donations may be sent by going to www.npdf.org or by calling 1-888-SAFE COP.
The NPDF Executive Board,
Joseph Occhipinti
Michael J. Palladino
Michael Barry
Anthony Lacorazza
Robert Henderson
Sgt. Vincent J. Vallelong has served as President of the 13,000 member NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association, which is the largest supervisory police union in the country, since October 2021.
He has also served as the SBA Delegate for Brooklyn South Detective Operations, as well as the organization’s Detective Bureau Director, Marshal, Health and Welfare Secretary, Recording Secretary, and Vice President.
Sgt. Vallelong was appointed to the NYPD in July 1990 after earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing management from Pace University. He was promoted to Sergeant in March 1996.
Sgt. Vallelong assignments included the 5 and 62 Precincts, as well as the Manhattan South Task Force, Manhattan South Auto Larceny Unit, the 63 Precinct Robbery Apprehension Module, and 62Preceint Detective Squad Commander.
Sgt. Vallelong’s professional affiliations include membership in the NYPD’s Columbia Association, and he sits on the Advisory Boards for the United Coalition of Public Safety (UCOPS), the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), and the San Diego University Law Enforcement Leadership Symposium.
Sgt. Vallelong is currently President of the Major Cities Conference, where his primary goal is to work with union colleagues and law enforcement personnel from other cities and municipalities to create a nationwide law enforcement collaboration and presence.
Sgt. Vallelong was a recipient of the Columbia Association’s Founders’ Award in 2024, and the Leader of Labor Award by Schneps Media in 2025.
Sgt. Vallelong followed in the footsteps of his father, Anthony, who served the NYPD for twenty years. He is the single parent of four children. Sgt. Vallelong’s son, Matthew, was appointed to the NYPD in November 2025.
It is with great pride that the Executive Board of the National Police Defense Foundation presents our prestigious President’s Award to Sergeant Vincent Vallong, President of the NYPD’s Sergeants Benevolent Association.
Kyle S. Reyes is an entrepreneur, a Christian conservative, and a millennial. He is President and CEO of The Silent Partner Marketing, a boutique marketing agency headquartered in Connecticut, and National Spokesman for Law Enforcement Today, a pro-law enforcement advocacy organization.
Reyes is a former Producer of News and Special Projects, having worked in broadcast journalism for nearly a decade. His team at Silent Partner Marketing now offers a marketing one-stop-shop, filling the role of a Director of Marketing and support staff at a fraction of the cost of having to worry about the payroll, taxes, benefits, equipment and training.
Reyes’ agency manages the marketing programs for hundreds of companies across the United States, ranging from family-owned enterprises to multi-billion-dollar corporations. His team designs and executes winning marketing strategies to help clients cut through the noise and connect directly with consumers; they utilize native storytelling and market segmentation to get the right message to the right person at the right time; and they leverage the pulse of the people to identify where the market is and where it’s going during what is the biggest cultural shift of our generation.
As the national spokesman for Law Enforcement Today, a pro-police advocacy organization, Reyes frequently appears on media outlet like Fox News to discuss issues affecting law enforcement and conservative principles. Reyes also owns Blue Lives Matter, a pro-police advocacy platform that reaches millions. Kyle grew up in Massachusetts and is the father of four.
The National Police Defense Foundation is proud to present Kyle Reyes with our Excellence in Media Award for his committed advocacy in favor of advancing the interests of law enforcement who seek to partner with the public they serve to make our nation a better place for all to live.
Commander Anthony Lordo Jr. is a law enforcement executive with the U.S. Park Police, currently serving as the Commanding Officer of the Liberty District. In this role, Commander Lordo is responsible for the comprehensive management of public safety, security, and law enforcement operations at two of the most iconic and high-profile national landmarks in the world – the Statue of Liberty National Monument and the Ellis Island.
With more than twenty-two years of federal law enforcement service, Commander Lordo has built a distinguished career defined by strategic leadership, operational excellence, and expertise in complex, high-threat security environments. He oversees law enforcement operations across Liberty Island, Ellis Island, and mainland security screening facilities in Manhattan, NY, and Jersey City, NJ. His command includes U.S. Park Police patrol officers, specialized units such as SWAT, K‑9, and Marine Patrol, as well as contracted security forces and advanced physical security systems. He ensured continuity of operations, emergency response readiness, and the protection of nationally significant icons that remain symbolic targets for terrorism.
Commander Lordo also serves on the Executive Board of the FBI-New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, where he contributes senior-level leadership and operational insight to counterterrorism initiatives, intelligence sharing, and interagency coordination across the New York metropolitan area.
Previously, Commander Lordo held senior leadership positions at Gateway National Recreation Area, where he managed a broad portfolio of public safety, law enforcement, and emergency services programs throughout National Park Service lands across New York City and Sandy Hook, NJ, requiring coordination across multiple jurisdictions and complex operational environments. As a Lieutenant, he served as Icon Security and K9 Unit Commander, advising senior leadership of the Department of the Interior’s Icon Security Council on protective strategies and security standards for nationally significant assets.
Commander Lordo is also a former SWAT Sergeant and a graduate of the FBI SWAT School. He has directed tactical operations for numerous high-profile events and protective missions, including visits by Heads of State, senior government officials, and foreign dignitaries, ensuring seamless coordination between federal, state, and local partners.
Commander Lordo holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Science Degree in Education from Wagner College. It is with a great deal of pleasure that the Executive Board of the National Police Defense Foundation presents our prestigious “Member of the Year Award to U.S. Park Police Commander Anthony Lordo, Jr.
Sean M. Curran
Director , United States Secret Service
Sean M. Curran is the 28th Director of the U.S. Secret Service, assuming office January 22, 2025. As Director, Mr. Curran is responsible for the successful execution of the agency’s integrated investigative and protective missions. He leads a workforce comprised of more than 8,200 Special Agents, Uniformed Division Officers, Technical Law Enforcement Officers, and Mission Support personnel.
Throughout his 23-year law enforcement career, Mr. Curran has led operational security plans for some of the most complex National Special Security Events in the history of the Secret Service. Most notable were his successful integration of modern protective methodologies deployed during major site visits and events, including the 2024 Presidential Campaign, and oversight of logistics coordination for the 2016 Presidential Debates. Events of this magnitude require coordination of thousands of campaign visits, collaboration with Federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, and management of a multi-million-dollar budget and 400+ Special Agents. Prior to his appointment as Director, Mr. Curran established and served as the Special Agent in Charge of the Donald Trump Detail, where he strategically led the physical multi-state protection portfolio for the 45th President.
Director Curran began his Secret Service career in September 2001, as a Special Agent in the Newark Field Office, where he conducted protection, intelligence, investigations, recruitment, and logistics support for the district.
From 2008-2013, Director Curran was assigned to the Presidential Protective Division within the Office of Protective Operations, where he provided physical protection to the President of the United States and his family. This assignment would amplify his readiness for future assignments such as the Assistant to the Special Agent in Charge of the Dignitary Protective Division (2014 – 2016) and the Washington Field Office (2016 – 2018) where he managed response teams to critical incidents throughout Washington, D.C.
In 2018, Mr. Curran was promoted to the position of Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Presidential Protective Division, with direct oversight and responsibility of multiple protectees, as well as reviewing, analyzing, and enhancing security plans for the President’s multiple residences.
Mr. Curran holds a master’s degree in human resources training and development from Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. His undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Stockton University in Galloway Township, New Jersey.
It is with a great deal of pleasure that the Executive Board of the National Police Defense Foundation presents our prestigious “2026 Man of the Year Award” to U.S. Secret Service Director Sean M. Curran.
Francis J. Russo
U.S. Customs Border Protection
Director Francis J. Russo directs the activities of nearly 3,000 CBP employees. His area of responsibility in New York and New Jersey includes two of the country’s busiest international airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR); the east coast’s largest container seaport (New York/Newark); two International Mail Facilities, including the nation’s busiest; and the Pharmaceuticals, Health and Chemicals Center of Excellence and Expertise (PHC Center).
Director Russo oversees CBP’s national security and anti-terrorism operations, immigration, and agriculture inspections, and trade enforcement efforts throughout the New York metropolitan area, where in Fiscal Year 2021, over $314 billion in imported goods and more than 7.8 million international travelers entered the United States, a total greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Director Russo recently served as the Acting Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner for Operations Support. In this role, he supported CBP operations and enabled mission execution across eight subcomponents: the Office of Intelligence; the Office of International Affairs; the Office of the Chief Medical Officer; CBP Watch; Laboratories and Scientific Services; Law Enforcement Safety and Compliance; Planning, Analysis, and Requirements Evaluation; and the Mission Support Directorate.
Director Russo was previously the Deputy Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Intelligence, where he directed efforts to provide timely, actionable, and relevant intelligence to frontline personnel in support of CBP’s enduring mission priorities.
From 2017 to 2020, Director Russo entered the Senior Executive Service as the JFK Port Director. He directed the activities of more than 1,800 CBP employees, who worked across the diverse operational demands of five international passenger terminals, the nation’s largest International Mail Facility, two express consignment carrier facilities, twenty-four general air cargo facilities, and four general aviation airports on Long Island.
Additionally, he previously served as the Assistant Director for Border Security in the NYFO, where he managed and implemented CBP policies, programs, and procedures for both JFK and Newark. He was detailed to CBP’s National Targeting Center as the Acting Director of the Counterterrorism Division, where he worked to refocus CBP’s goals and objectives to support counterterrorism response.
Director Russo also served as a Watch Commander at JFK Airport, and a Supervisor in the Passenger Analytical Unit at JFK. He entered on duty as an Inspector with the United States Customs Service in 1995 under the outstanding scholar program. He is a graduate of the Kennedy School of Government Senior Managers in Government Program, Harvard University. Russo is a career member of the Senior Executive Service. He is married and has one daughter.
It is with immense pleasure that the Executive Board of the National Police Defense Foundation presents our 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award to CBP Director Francis J. Russo.
Kellyanne Conway is an internationally recognized strategist, business advisor, and political leader who made history as Campaign Manager of the come-from-behind Trump-Pence 2016 victory, becoming the first woman in U.S. history to successfully helm a winning presidential campaign. She later served nearly four years in the White House as Assistant to the President and Senior Counselor to the President, advising on major domestic and international policy initiatives spanning trade, energy, technology, workforce development, national security, drug interdiction, healthcare, education and the economy.
Her firm, KALConsulting LLC, provides strategic counsel, survey research, data analytics, and executive advisory services to global corporations, investment firms, trade associations, and nonprofit leaders navigating complex regulatory, legislative, geopolitical, and reputational environments. Her firm consults numerous Fortune 100 companies and multinational enterprises across advanced technology, artificial intelligence, automotive manufacturing, energy, biotechnology, financial services, asset management, retail, logistics, media, and entertainment. Clients include Amazon, Johnson & Johnson, Google, Netflix, Maersk, Verizon, Comcast, Cisco, Caterpillar, HP, TikTok, Spotify, McKinsey, Accenture, Mercedes Benz, Toyota, Lazard, Goldman Sachs and OpenAI. In the energy sector, she helps companies drive U.S. energy dominance and next-generation infrastructure investment. She remains a key voice to President Trump and senior Administration officials on initiatives that strengthen competitiveness, expand domestic investment, and accelerate job creation, security and fairness in America’s Golden Age.
Kellyanne is also a sought-after speaker on the domestic and international circuit, addressing corporate boards, industry associations, investor conferences, and global leadership forums. She speaks on geopolitical risk, regulatory trends, economic competitiveness, and the intersection of business and government. Most recently she addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos and the Munich Security Conference, where she joins global policymakers, CEOs, and thought leaders..
Prior to her White House tenure, Kellyanne was for 22 years the sole proprietor of the polling company, Inc./WomanTrend (1995-2017), and sat on numerous boards. She has been licensed to practice law in four states and is currently a Fox News Contributor. She is a Member of the Board of the Atlantic Council and is a Commissioner on America250, the bicameral, bipartisan congressional body managing the USA’s sesquicentennial. Her memoir, Here’s the Deal, was an instant #1 New York Times bestseller. Kellyanne is the blessed mother of a son and three daughters.
The National Police Defense Foundation is proud to present the 2026 Businesswoman of the Year Award to Kellyanne Conway in recognition of her lifelong accomplishments and public service.
Alina Habba was born in Summit, New Jersey. She is an attorney who currently serves as a Senior Advisor to the Attorney General for US Attorneys. In July, 2025 Alina was named Acting US Attorney for the District of New Jersey. Attorney General Pam Bondi noted that during the time acting USA Alina Habba was in office, the city of Newark saw a 20% reduction in crime and the city of Camden experienced its first summer in 50 years without a homicide. Before Habba took on the role of US attorney for New Jersey, President Trump had announced he was appointing her as his presidential counsellor during his second administration, describing Habba as “unwavering in her loyalty” and a “tireless advocate for justice”.
Alina attended Lehigh University, graduating in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Between 2005 and 2007, Habba worked in the fashion industry in accessories production and marketing. She obtained a Juris Doctor from the Widener University Commonwealth Law School in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 2010. After finishing law school, Habba was a law clerk to Eugene J. Codey Jr., then-presiding judge of the Civil Superior Court in Essex County, New Jersey. Habba is licensed to practice law in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
As President Trump’s attorney, Alina has represented him in many high-profile cases and litigation since 2021 including litigation spearheaded by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
In December 2024, Trump named Habba as his counselor to the president. Ms. Habba has described herself as a devout Catholic. She has two children, Chleo and Luke.
Treasurer
Anthony L. Lacorazza is a veteran law enforcement professional with nearly three decades of service, including distinguished roles with the NYPD and the United States Secret Service. He has extensive experience in protective operations, financial investigations, and national security assignments.
Vice President
Michael Barry serves as Vice President of the National Police Defense Foundation and Director of Program Services, helping oversee initiatives that support law enforcement officers and their families nationwide.
President
Michael J. Palladino is the longtime President of the Detectives’ Endowment Association (DEA), leading contract negotiations, union operations, and representing detectives at the city, state, and national levels. He also serves as a Trustee of the $38 billion New York City Police Pension Fund.
Founder & Executive Director
Joseph Occhipinti is a native New Yorker whose commitment to public service led to a distinguished career in federal law enforcement and nonprofit leadership. He later co-founded the National Police Defense Foundation with his wife, Angela, and continues to serve as its volunteer Executive Director.