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Day: July 30, 2025

NPDF Presents Profiles in Courage Award to NY Det. Sgt. Cartegena and Attorney Joseph Tacopina

On July 24th, 2025, National Police Defense Foundation Executive Director Joe Occhipinti (third from right) presented Yonkers, NY Detective Sergeant Hector Cartegena (left) and renowned criminal defense attorney Joseph Tacopina, (third from left) with the NPDF’s Profiles in Courage Award for their victory in winning a “not guilty” verdict for Sgt. Cartegena against a politically […]

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)
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Sgt. Michael Barry

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
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Det. Michael J. Palladino

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
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SSA Joseph Occhipinti

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
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