NATIONAL POLICE
DEFENSE FOUNDATION

About NPDF

The National Police Defense Foundation

Protecting those who protect use through legal defense, medical aid, and community programs

recognition & impact

Trusted and Recognized Nationwide

The National Police Defense Foundation (NPDF) has received recognition from the United States House of Representatives, United States Senate, state governments, and international organizations. Its programs and initiatives have been acknowledged worldwide for their impact in protecting and supporting law enforcement professionals.

Serving law enforcement and commuinities since 1995.

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501 (c) (3) Approved

IRS approved nonprofit organization committed to transparency, accountability, and meaningful public service.

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Congressional Recognition

Recognized by the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate for mission-driven service and national impact.

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National & International Impact

Acknowledged by state governments and international organizations for advancing programs that protect and support those who serve.

By the Numbers

A Growing Community of Support

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MEMBERS & SUPPORTERS
10000 +

A strong and growing community across the globe.

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CIVILIANS & PUBLIC SAFETY
0 +

United in support of our mission and those who serve.

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NATIONWIDE REACH
1 +

Across the United States and internationally.

Who we are

Dedicated to Those Who Serve and Protect

The National Police Defense Foundation (NPDF) is a congressionally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and supporting law enforcement officers, their families, and the communities they serve.

Through legal defense, medical assistance, and public safety initiatives, NPDF works to ensure that those who put their lives on the line are never left without support.

Our Mission

To protect and support law enforcement through advocacy, legal defense, and life-changing programs that serve both officers and the communities they protect.

Our Programs

Programs That Make a Difference

Operation Kids

Delivering life-saving medical care to children in need worldwide.

Legal Defense

Providing legal defense for officers facing unjust prosection. 

Safe Cop

Supporting law enforcement through public safety and reward initiatives.

Project Safe Net

Educating children and families about online safety and digital threats.

Additional Programs & Initiatives

Scholarships

 Supporting the educational future of deserving students and officer families.

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Community Outreach

Building stronger, safer communities, through engagement and events.

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Awareness Campaigns

Raising awareness for issues affecting law enforcement and public safety.

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Past Initiatives

Honoring and continuing programs that have made a last impact.

Our Story

The Story Behind the Mission

In Framed: I Never Stood a Chance, Joseph Occhipinti shares the powerful true story that shaped the mission of the National Police Defense Foundation, offering a firsthand account of injustice, resilience, and the fight to protect those who serve.

Stand with Those Who Serve.

Your support helps us provide legal defense, medical care and critical programs for officers and their families.

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)

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

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

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