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LEGAL DEFENSE CASE

Det. Sterling Wheaten Found Not Guilty

Atlantic City Det. Sterling Wheaten was acquitted of all federal civil rights charges following a landmark prosecution involving the use of a police K-9 during a violent arrest encounter.

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OFFICER

Atlantic City Detective Sterling Wheaten

AGENCY

Atlantic City Police Department

CASE TYPE

Federal Civil Rights Prosecution

STATUS

Found Not Guilty on All Charges

NPDF ROLE

Legal Defense Support & Public Advocacy

Det. Sterling Wheaten Found Not Guilty

Background

On June 15, 2013, Atlantic City Detective Sterling Wheaten and his K-9 partner “Hagan” responded to an officer assist call involving an intoxicated suspect resisting arrest. During the struggle, the suspect allegedly punched and strangled the police dog while officers attempted to gain control of the situation. The suspect sustained bite injuries during the encounter. An Atlantic County grand jury later determined that Det. Wheaten acted appropriately and declined to file criminal charges. Despite that finding, the U.S. Department of Justice indicted Det. Wheaten nearly five years later on federal civil rights charges.

The Legal Challange

The federal prosecution raised serious concerns within the law enforcement community regarding the future use of police K-9 units during violent arrest situations. Supporters argued the case sent a chilling message to K-9 officers nationwide, suggesting they could face federal prosecution when suspects resist arrest and police dogs are deployed.

NPDF Involvement

The NPDF established a legal defense fund for Det. Wheaten during his suspension without pay and helped raise critical financial support for his defense. The foundation also recognized the support of New Jersey State PBA President Patrick Colligan for assisting in bringing attention to the case.

Status

On February 17, 2022, after approximately three hours of deliberation, a federal jury in Camden, New Jersey found Det. Wheaten not guilty on all charges, including federal civil rights violations and filing a false police report. The acquittal was viewed by supporters as a significant victory for law enforcement officers and K-9 handlers nationwide.

PRESS RELEASE

ANOTHER BIG WIN FOR THE NPDF! ATLANTIC CITY DET. STERLING WHEATEN FOUND NOT GUILITY!

February 17, 2022 | Manalapan, NJ

On June 15, 2013, Atlantic City (NJ) Det. Sterling Wheaten and his Police K-9 dog “Hagan” responded to an officer assist call involving an intoxicated suspect who was resisting arrest.  Det. Sterling directed his K-9 partner to engage the suspect to enable officers to effect the arrest. During the struggle, the suspect punched and began strangling Hagan in the neck which resulted in his receiving bite marks.

READ FULL PRESS RELEASE

NPDF stands behind law enforcement officers when they are wrongfully accused, unjustly prosecuted, or in need of a fair defense. – NATIONAL POLICE DEFENSE FOUNDATION

Sgt. Michael P. Barry (Ret.), Vice President

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Support Officers Facing Unjust Prosecution

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SAFE COP REWARD

Adam Cothron

Tennessee State Trooper

 

Case Details

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. 

Case Update

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.

NPDF PRESS RELEASE

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.

NPDF PRESS RELEASE

JUSTICE FOR NYPD SERGEANT ERIK DURAN LEGAL DEFENSE FUND

Read Offical Press Release

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 Vallelong, President’s Award honoree at the 2026 National Police Defense Foundation Annual Awards Dinner

President’s Award

Sgt. Vincent Vallelong
NYPD Sergeant’s Benevolent Association

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, Excellence in Media Award honoree at the 2026 National Police Defense Foundation Annual Awards Dinner

Excellence in Media Award

Kyle S. Reyes
Law Enforcement Today Magazine

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., Member of the Year honoree at the 2026 National Police Defense Foundation Annual Awards Dinner

Member of the Year

Commander Anthony Lordo, Jr.
United States Park Police (NY)

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, Man of the Year honoree and Director of the United States Secret Service at the 2026 National Police Defense Foundation Annual Awards Dinner

Man of the Year

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, Lifetime Achievement Award honoree at the 2026 National Police Defense Foundation Annual Awards Dinner

Lifetime Achievement Award

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, Businesswoman of the Year honoree at the 2026 National Police Defense Foundation Annual Awards Dinner

Businesswoman of the Year

Kellyanne Conway
KALConsulting, LLC

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, Woman of the Year honoree at the 2026 National Police Defense Foundation Annual Awards Dinner

Woman of the Year

Hon. Alina Habba
Senior Advisor to U.S. Attorney General

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.

ATSAC Anthony L. Lacorazza

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.

Career Highlights

  • Began law enforcement career with the NYPD in 1997, serving in patrol, gang enforcement, and civil disturbance units
  • Joined the U.S. Secret Service in 2000 and was assigned to the New York Field Office
  • Conducted investigations involving airport security, smuggling operations, and financial crimes in coordination with federal task forces
  • Played a key role in coordinating response and operations surrounding the events of September 11, 2001
  • Served in the Presidential Protection Division in Washington, D.C., under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama
  • Managed presidential transportation, motorcades, and global logistics for high-level government operations

Service & Recognition

  • Active in multiple law enforcement and charitable organizations supporting first responders and military families
  • Vice President, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), Chapter 1
  • Executive Board Member and Federal Liaison for Tunnel to Towers Foundation
  • Led fundraising efforts and initiatives supporting families of fallen heroes
  • Recipient of the U.S. Department of Defense Patriotic Employer Award (2019)
View Full Biography

Sgt. Michael Barry (Ret.)

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.

Career Highlights

  • Veteran law enforcement professional with extensive experience in public safety and investigations
  • Served with the Port Authority Police Department of New York and New Jersey
  • Brings decades of experience supporting law enforcement personnel and operations

Leadership & Impact

  • Vice President of the National Police Defense Foundation
  • Director of Program Services overseeing key organizational initiatives
  • Supports programs that provide assistance and resources to law enforcement officers and their families
View Full Biography

Det. Michael J. Palladino (Ret.)

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.

Career Highlights

  • Joined the NYPD in 1979 and earned his gold shield in the Narcotics Division in 1987
  • Promoted to Second Grade Detective in 1995 while assigned to the 52nd Precinct Detective Squad in the Bronx
  • Began union leadership as Delegate in 1992 and advanced through multiple leadership roles
  • Served as Bronx Welfare Officer, Bronx Trustee, Union Secretary, and Vice President prior to presidency
  • Elected President of the Detectives’ Endowment Association in 2004 and re-elected multiple times

Leadership & Impact

  • Leads all DEA contract negotiations and union operations with New York City
  • Chairs the union’s Health Benefits Fund and Annuity Fund
  • Serves as Trustee of the New York City Police Pension Fund
  • Elected President of the New York State Association of PBAs, representing approximately 48,000 officers
  • Former Executive Vice President of the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), representing 240,000 officers nationwide

Legislative Achievements

  • Played a key role in major legislation supporting law enforcement, including:
  • World Trade Center Death Benefit (Zadroga Act)
  • WTC Disability and Extender Bills
  • Mt. Sinai Medical Monitoring Program
  • Veterans’ Buy Back legislation
  • Pension protection guarantees for officers
View Full Biography

SSA Joseph Occhipinti (Ret.)

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.

Career Highlights

  • Served in the United States Army Reserves as a Military Policeman
  • Joined the U.S. Department of the Treasury investigating drug trafficking and organized crime
  • Compiled one of the highest felony arrest and contraband seizure records in Customs history
  • Elected President of the Federal Agents’ Police Benevolent Association
  • Conducted deep undercover operations leading to one of the largest cocaine seizures in U.S. history

NPDF Leadership

  • Co-founded the National Police Defense Foundation in 1995
  • Helped grow NPDF into a major police foundation with international reach
  • Established key programs including Safe Cop and Operation Kids

Honors & Recognition

  • Recognized internationally for humanitarian work through Operation Kids
  • Recipient of numerous law enforcement and humanitarian awards
  • Earned three U.S. Attorney General Awards and 78 commendations for service and valor
View Full Biography