Vice Views
Visit to the National Law Enforcement Officers
Memorial Fund in Washington, D.C.
Those of you who attended the annual St. Patrick’s Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon in March will remember that, during my presentation, I read excerpts from an article called “Reflections From Ground Zero”, written by Mr. Craig Floyd, Chairman and Executive Director of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Fund in Washington, D.C. The article was a summary from a visit Mr. Floyd made to Ground Zero on September 18th, 2001.
Prior to the program, I had emailed Mr. Floyd, asking for his permission to use the article in the program. During our exchanges, we discussed the mission of ASIS as well as the NLEOMF, and talked about similarities in our missions, particularly relative to the relationship between Law Enforcement and Private Security. Mr. Floyd generously invited me to come and visit the Memorial and Visitor Center, which I was able to do on Monday, April 15th during a trip in the D.C. area. It turned out to be a beautiful day in Washington, D.C. with the sun shining and temperatures in the mid to upper 80’s. Cherry blossoms were blooming – it could not have been a better day to pay a visit.
The mission of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is to generate increased public support for the law enforcement profession by permanently recording and appropriately commemorating the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers; and to provide information that will help promote law enforcement safety.
The visit began at Mr. Floyd’s office, located in the Visitor Center, two blocks away from the Memorial. Inside, I was treated to striking photographs of the Memorial, as well as memorable scenes from the dedication ceremony in 1991, where then President George Herbert Walker Bush dedicated the Memorial. An interactive video system provides visitors with a photograph of officers who have died, along with their location along the memorial walls. Personal mementos left at the Memorial by visitors are also on display, including touching notes and poems, police patches and photographs. There was also a gift shop with a wide variety of special commemorative items bearing the Memorial name and logo.
Mr. Floyd, and Ms. Holly Allison, Director of Corporate Membership Programs greeted me, and we met in Mr. Floyd’s office. The first thing I noticed was photographs and autographs of Mr. Floyd with former Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush. There were all kinds of thank you plaques to Mr. Floyd from Law Enforcement Officers and family members, thanking him for his efforts in support of the memorial and in support of law enforcement officers.
After a brief discussion about the NLEOMF and ASIS, and how we might partner on promoting law enforcement and the memorial, Mr. Floyd and Ms. Allison escorted me over to the memorial, some two blocks away from the visitor center.
Designed by Washington, D.C. architect Davis Buckley, the memorial, one of Washington’s most spectacular attractions, sits on three acres of federal parkland called Judiciary Square. The site has served for some 200 years as the seat of our nation’s judicial branch of government.
Bordering the memorial’s beautifully landscaped park are two tree-lined “Pathways of Remembrance” where the names of the fallen officers are engraved. Each of the pathway entrances are adorned with a powerful statuary grouping of an adult lion protecting its cubs. Sculpted by Raymond Kaskey, these bronze statues symbolize the protective role of law enforcement officers and convey the strength, courage and valor that are the hallmarks of those who serve the law enforcement profession.
 Craig Floyd & Brad Minnis at the Memorial 4/15/2001 |
 The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial |
Also at the entrances, are directories containing the names and locations of the engravings, on the memorial walls. We selected the most recent San Jose Police Officer killed in the line of duty, Officer Desmond J Casey, from the directory, and proceeded to the location of his inscribed name, on the wall. I took an impression of the inscription, which I intend to forward to the San Jose Police Department.
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In addition to the Memorial and Visitor Center, in 2000, President
Clinton signed into law the authorization for the establishment of the
National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, D.C., which will be operated
and managed by the NLEOMF. This museum, which will be located across the
street from the Memorial, and mostly underground, is expected to include
more than 50,000 square feet and cost about $25 Million. Much of the costs
will be paid for by sponsorships and donations.
Our visit concluded with a nice lunch at a nearby restaurant, where we discussed ways in which SFBA-ASIS and the NLEOMF can partner. We talked about our annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon and some possibility that Craig may come out and speak with our Chapter during the event, and the possibility to utilize the event as a fund raiser for the NLEOMF. Mr. Floyd also explained the several ways in which members and corporations can support the fund. |
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund charges no admission and receives no government or taxpayer support. They rely solely on the generosity of grateful citizens and Corporations to maintain the national monument honoring our fallen officers. Donors to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund may choose from among three ways to show their support:
Direct Donations Planned Giving Corporate Memberships
Several contribution levels are available both for individuals and corporations. For more information about donor opportunities, see the website at www.nleomf.com.
As always, comments are appreciated, and can be directed to vicechair@sfasis.org.
Brad Minnis CPP
Vice Chair SFBA Chapter