NATIONAL POLICE
DEFENSE FOUNDATION

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legal defense program

Fighting for complete vindication

A multi-faceted NPDF law enforcement initiative dedicated to protecting children through life-saving medical operations, safety programs, and family support.

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OUR SERVICES

Comprehensive Defense Services

From criminal defense to national media advocacy, every aspect of an officer’s fight for justice is covered.

Criminal Defense

Full legal representation for officers facing criminal prosecution arising from fabricated misconduct allegations and unjust charges.

Civil Litigation

Wrongful termination, whistleblower retaliation, employment-related legal matters, and civil rights defense support.

Administrative Hearings

Internal affairs investigations, disciplinary proceedings, and administrative review board representation and support.

Media Advocacy

Strategic media campaigns on 60 Minutes, NBC Dateline, Fox News, and CNN exposing injustice and rallying public support.

Defense Fund Management

Establishment and administration of legal defense funds where 100% of tax-deductible donations go directly to the officer.

Case Investigation

Thorough investigation of circumstances to determine if officers are being unjustly prosecuted or have been falsely convicted.

Featured case

DHS Special Agent Angel Echevarria Acquitted

In West Palm Beach, Florida on April 27, 2017, it took a jury only 5 minutes to acquit DHS Special Agent Angel Echevarria of all charges. The NPDF established a dedicated defense fund and provided comprehensive legal support throughout the case.

ELGIBILITY & APPLICATION

Who We Defend & How to Apply

Active or Retired Officers — Sworn law enforcement officers at the federal, state, or local level including US Marshals, DHS agents, state police, and city detectives.

Unjust Prosecution — Officers facing criminal charges, wrongful termination, or whistleblower retaliation believed to stem from fabricated allegations or prosecutorial misconduct.

Board Review — Each case is reviewed individually by the NPDF board of directors to determine merit and approve legal defense funding.

Documentation Required — Charge details, incident reports, and evidence of false allegations must be provided for review. All submissions remain strictly confidential.

LANDMARK CASE

Det. Joseph Walker Acquitted in Maryland Self-Defense Case

A jury found that New Jersey Detective Joseph Walker acted in self-defense despite “prosecutorial indiscretion” by the Anne Arundel County assistant state’s attorney who misled a grand jury. Detective Walker was later honored with a valor award by the NJ State P.B.A.
read full story

How You Can Help

Support the mission to protect those who protect us. Every action makes a difference.

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Are you a law enforcement officer facing unjust prosecution? Submit your case for review and potential defense funding.

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100% of your tax-deductible donation goes directly to officer defense funds. Support justice with your contribution.

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Learn Moore

Are you a law enforcement officer facing unjust prosecution? Submit your case for review and potential defense funding.

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© 2026 National Police Defense Foundation. All rights reserved. 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Organization.

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
View Full Biography

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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