NATIONAL POLICE
DEFENSE FOUNDATION

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2026 ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER

Honoring those who serve and protect our communities
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 • 6:00 PM EST
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Event Details

Includes the famous “Russo’s on the Bay” enhanced cocktail hour, open bar, full course dinner and entertainment.

Our annual awards dinner helps fund the NPDF and its many charitable endeavors. The proceeds to benefit the NPDF, charitable endeavors and program services that include “Operation Kids” and the “Safe Cop” programs.

The NPDF’s annual awards dinner is our major fundraiser, therefore, please support our efforts. The ticket cost is $175 and includes the famous “Russo’s on the Bay” enhanced cocktail hour, open bar, full course dinner and entertainment.

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Purchase your tickets online for the 2026 Annual Awards Dinner. $175 per person includes cocktail hour, open bar, dinner, and entertainment.

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2026 Honorees

Click any honoree card to view their full bio page.
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

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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

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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,

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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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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