National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Ambassador Program

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as Peace Officer Memorial Day. In 1984, Representative Mario Biaggi, a former highly decorated NYPD officer, helped to pass legislation creating a memorial for the country’s fallen officers. Dedicated on October 15, 1991, the National Law Enforcement Memorial was constructed to honor the memory of these brave fallen officers. The Memorial is situated on three acres in Washington DC within Judiciary Square. The Memorial consists of an eighty-foot reflecting pool surrounded by granite walls shaded by 128 perfectly landscaped trees. Inscribed on the walls are the names of over 23,000 officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice dating back to the first officer killed in the line of duty, Sheriff Benjamin Branch, in 1786.

The Memorial gives families, friends, and co-workers a place to remember those who they have lost. Unfortunately, new officers are added yearly, making it a “living” memorial. Nearly 40,000 officers, their families, and supporters gather on the National Mall to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during Police Week, held annually in May. It is a solemn time to remember those fallen officers, but it is also a time to reunite with friends and form new friendships with officers around the country and other parts of the world.

The National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) oversees the Memorial, ensuring that the fallen are honored. The NLEOMF’s Board of Directors includes sixteen of the country's most prestigious law enforcement organizations and various corporate sponsors. While the Memorial is a significant component of the NLEOMF’s mission, it is just one of three pillars. The second pillar is the Museum, dedicated to telling the story of American law enforcement through immersive exhibits and educational programs. The last pillar is Officer Safety and Wellness, which focuses on the best practices to keep officers healthy and safe and reduce the number of officer fatalities.

The NLEOMF Ambassador Program is a part of the third pillar, Officer Safety and Wellness. The mission of the Ambassador Program is to inspire support for the Memorial while ensuring that critical information related to the safety and well-being of our officers is shared throughout the law enforcement community. This Program depends on current, former, and retired police officers to build awareness and generate support for the organization. This is accomplished through the planning and attendance at local law enforcement conferences, memorial ceremonies, academy presentations, community events, fundraisers, and sporting events. Ambassadors may be called upon to assist local law enforcement agencies with submitting fallen officers for inclusion on the wall or giving a presentation on the various activities sponsored by the NLEOMF.

NLEOMF-trained and credentialed Ambassadors help bring crucial information from our partnerships with officers around the country: Destination Zero, SAFLEO (Suicide Awareness for Law Enforcement Officers), NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), as well as tailored programming based on trending fatality data designed to enhance safety and survivability. Ambassadors may share this information through presentations, training opportunities, and roll-call briefings.

Selected Ambassadors may remain with the Program indefinitely, working within their current time constraints. While Ambassadors are encouraged to attend Police Week events and other NLEOMF-sponsored events, this is not mandatory. There are many ways to contribute just within the officer’s hometown. Each officer brings unique skills and talents to the Program, whether through fundraising, presentations, public speaking, public relations, etc. The Program seeks officers passionate about the mission of the NLEOMF and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

While not everyone can contribute financially, the Ambassador Program is an excellent way for current and former officers to assist the NLEOMF in spreading the word about the organization. Becoming an Ambassador requires filling out an application and interviewing with a selection panel. If approved, the officer will attend a virtual training on the expectations of an Ambassador. The NLEOMF will supply the officer with nametags, business card templates, PowerPoint slides for presentations, and a discount at the NLEOMF store. After the training, the officer will become an official member of the NLEOMF family.

The Ambassador Program is made possible through the generous support of its sponsor, Mission Square Retirement. Their mission is to help public sector employees build retirement security. Their support of the Ambassador Program enables officers to fulfill the mission of the NLEOMF through outreach and awareness. Please view this short video which provides additional information about the Ambassador Program, https://youtu.be/sOcF4WhLhnY.

To fill out the application, visit https://nleomf.org/officer-safety-and-wellness/ambassador-program/ or contact the Program Manager, Matt Garcia, [email protected].