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Operation Kids Program

Operation Kids Program

Saving Children's Lives,
One Operation at a Time

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

DONATE TO OPERATION KIDS
12+
Life-Saving Operations
500K+
Fingerprint Kits Distributed
250K+
Medical Funds Raised
30+
Years of Service
What We Do

Our 7 Program Pillars

Operation Kids takes a comprehensive approach to child safety and welfare through seven core initiatives.

Child Fingerprint Kits

Free fingerprint identification kits distributed to parents nationwide, providing crucial identification data for child safety.

Missing Children Rewards

Periodic rewards posted for missing and kidnapped children across the United States to aid recovery efforts.

Youth Events Funding

Sponsoring community youth events including little league sports and educational programs to enrich children's lives.

Crime Victim Assistance

Direct financial assistance and support provided to child crime victims and their families during recovery.

Family Scholarships

Educational scholarships awarded to NPDF members and their immediate family members for academic pursuits.

Life-Saving Operations

Arranging and funding critical, life-saving surgical operations for critically ill children in partnership with medical foundations.

Project Safe Net

Our newest initiative working alongside law enforcement agencies to identify, track, and bring to justice those who prey on children, making communities safer for families nationwide.

Featured Story

Making Miracles Happen

Ian Flores Bravo:
COCHLEAR IMPLANT AFTER LOSING HEARING AS A TODDLER

When a 5-year-old child from Ecuador, the son of a police officer, lost his hearing at a young age, his future was suddenly filled with uncertainty. Through its Operation Kids program, the National Police Defense Foundation stepped in to help make a life-changing cochlear implant possible, restoring his ability to hear and opening the door to speech, learning, and connection. This inspiring story highlights the real impact of Operation Kids, demonstrating how timely support and compassion can transform the life of a child and bring renewed hope to an entire family.

Lives We've Changed

Life-Saving Operations

Every child deserves a chance. Here are some of the children whose lives were transformed through Operation Kids.

JB

Baby Jealine Borja

Life-saving medical procedure

Operation Complete
AA

Ashley Ambrose

Critical care treatment

Operation Complete
JH

Joseph Hopkins

Medical fund recipient

Operation Complete
JPM

John Paul Miskell

Life-saving surgery

Operation Complete
CD

Claudia DiGregorio

Critical medical care

Operation Complete
LT

Leandro Taveras

Medical fund recipient

Operation Complete
ER

Emma Robertson

Medical fund recipient

Operation Complete
MM

Melanie Macias

Life-saving procedure

Operation Complete

Help Us Save More Lives

Every contribution makes a difference in a child’s life. Choose how you’d like to support Operation Kids today.

Make a Donation

Your tax-deductible donation directly funds life-saving operations for critically ill children.

Donate Now

Become a Member

Join the NPDF family and get involved in our mission to protect children across the nation.

Join Today

Request a Kit

Get a free child fingerprint kit to help protect your family with vital identification records.

Get Free Kit

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)
View Full Biography

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
View Full Biography

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
View Full Biography