Pascrell Recognized As “Legislator of the Year”
- PostEagle
- May 15, 2013
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NEW JERSEY – U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell was presented with the prestigious Legislator of the Year Award by the National Police Defense Foundation (NPDF) recently as hundreds of law enforcement officers from across the nation gathered for the NPDF 2013 Awards Ceremony. Rep. Pascrell was selected for the honor by the NPDF Executive Board for his fervent support of law enforcement members nationwide spanning his entire career.
In photo on right: Congressman Pascrell, center, with (L) Det. Jack Holder, National Police Defense Foundation President and (R) Joseph Occhipinti, National Police Defense Foundation Founder & Executive Director.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by the brave men and women I spent my career fighting on behalf of,” said Rep. Pascrell, co-chairman of the House Law Enforcement Caucus. “I thank NPDF for this prestigious honor and commend them for the critical support they provide our nation’s police officers. Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line day in and day out keeping our communities safe, and my priority has always been to make sure they have the resources they need. I will continue to fight to ensure the COPS Hiring Program is authorized and well funded so that our communities can meet their unique public safety needs.”
Other award recipients include Ecuador Vice President Lenín Moreno Garcés, honored with the Humanitarian of the Year Award; actor Nick Turturro from the CBS Drama “Blue Bloods”, receiving the Man of the Year Award, and; Mrs. Christine Levinson, spouse of FBI agent Robert Levinson (Ret) who was kidnapped in 2007 while working in Iran’s Kish Island, honored with the Profiles In Courage Award
“Congressman Pascrell has fought tirelessly on behalf of law enforcement officers across our nation, so I couldn’t think of a more fitting person to receive this honor,” stated Joe Occihipinti, NPDF Executive Director. “As local police departments face increasing budget constraints, I look forward to continuing to work with Congressman Pascrell in keeping the safety of our communities a priority.”
NPDF provide important medical and legal support services to the national law enforcement community, as well as administer several NPDF law enforcement programs involving public safety and child safety programs. The NPDF Executive & Advisory Board is composed of all volunteers and represents distinguished elected officials, as well as the directors of several law enforcement, civil rights and community organizations. The NPDF provides free medical support services to law enforcement personnel regarding job related illnesses and disabilities.
The proceeds of the awards ceremony will benefit Operation Kids, a multi faceted child safety program that also provides life saving medical treatment for critically ill children.