LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Joseph and Angela Occhipinti, founders
of the National Police Defense Foundation, upon the occasion of their
designation for special recognition on May 6, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Joseph and Angela Occhipinti, founders of the National Police Defense
Foundation, upon the occasion of their designation for special recogni-
tion to be celebrated at its 20th Annual Awards Dinner at Russo's on the
Bay in Howard Beach, New York, on Wednesday, May 6, 2015; and
WHEREAS, The National Police Defense Foundation (NPDF) is a nationally
renowned organization which provides free medical and legal support
services to the law enforcement community, as well as funds a variety of
public safety and law enforcement initiatives; and
WHEREAS, In 1995, retired Federal Agent Joseph Occhipinti and his
wife, Angela, founded the National Police Defense Foundation; for the
past two decades, they have devoted their time and energies into devel-
oping one of the largest police organizations which provides free
medical and legal support services to the law enforcement community; and
WHEREAS, Today, the National Police Defense Foundation has over
205,000 members and supporters throughout the nation and in 12 foreign
countries; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Occhipinti has served as the National Police Defense
Foundation's Executive Director and Angela Occhipinti was the Office
Administrator; and
WHEREAS, Joseph and Angela Occhipinti developed the Safe Cop program
which offers a monetary reward for information leading to the arrest and
conviction of any person who shoots at a law enforcement officer in the
United States; this program was instrumental in the arrest and
conviction of numerous defendants who either shot or killed an officer;
and
WHEREAS, In addition, Joseph and Angela Occhipinti established the
multi-faceted Operation Kids safety program which also arranges life-
saving operations and medical treatment for critically ill children
nationwide; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Joseph and Angela Occhipinti founded several
associations, including the Police Chiefs Coalition, the Firefighters &
EMS Foundation (FEF), State Troopers Coalition, Federal Officers Coali-
tion, and the Deputy Sheriffs and Peace Officers Foundation; and
WHEREAS, FEF is the proud sponsor of the Save a First Responder
program, which posts a reward for information leading to the arrest and
conviction of any person who commits arson or any other criminal act
which results in the death of an on-duty Firefighter or EMS personnel;
and
WHEREAS, Joseph and Angela Occhipinti have received numerous awards
and accolades for their impressive humanitarian efforts; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Joseph
and Angela Occhipinti over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to
others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a

long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Joseph and Angela Occhipinti, founders of the National Police
Defense Foundation, upon the occasion of their designation for special
recognition on May 6, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joseph and Angela Occhipinti.