The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund today announced the retirement of its founding Chief Executive Officer, Craig W. Floyd, at the end of 2018 after 34 years at the helm. Lori Sharpe Day, managing director of the Ashcroft Law Firm and longtime supporter of the Memorial Fund, will be named interim chief executive officer while the search for a permanent replacement is finalized.
Mr. Floyd founded the Memorial Fund in 1984 alongside United States Rep. Mario Biaggi (D-NY), a highly decorated New York City police legend who authored the public law to establish the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. Under Mr. Floyd's leadership, the Memorial was dedicated in 1991 and now bears the names of 21,541 American law enforcement officers who have died in the performance of duty.
This October, Mr. Floyd and the Memorial Fund achieved another important milestone with the opening of the National Law Enforcement Museum at the Motorola Solutions Foundation Building, located across the street from the Memorial in historic Judiciary Square. The Museum, which was 20 years in the making, features high-tech interactive exhibits, historic artifacts that tell the story of law enforcement's past, and educational programs that address topical issues confronting communities today.
"With the opening of this world-class Museum, after a long and exciting journey, the timing seemed right to step aside and allow the Memorial Fund to bring on new leadership with the right experience, expertise, and ideas to meet the challenging and exciting future ahead," Mr. Floyd stated.
Mr. Floyd's retirement is effective December 31, 2018, after which he will remain active with the organization as Founding CEO Emeritus and as a consultant to the Memorial Fund and Museum.
"This organization and our nation's law enforcement professionals will be forever grateful for Craig's leadership and tireless devotion to the Memorial Fund's mission these past 34 years," Chairman of the Board and former United States Attorney General John Ashcroft stated. "His efforts have ensured that our fallen law enforcement heroes are properly remembered and honored, and those following in their footsteps are safer and better appreciated."
Under Floyd's leadership, the Memorial Fund achieved major accomplishments, including:
- Creation of the world's most comprehensive database on officers killed in the line of duty
- A federal law authorizing all American flags to be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15)
- 30 annual Candlelight Vigils honoring fallen officers during National Police Week—the Memorial Fund's signature event that attracts a crowd of more than 30,000 people
- Publication of the book, "To Serve and Protect—A Tribute to American Law Enforcement"
- The issuance of commemorative coins by the U.S. Mint to honor our nation's law enforcement officers and their families
- The establishment of a maintenance endowment fund for the Memorial that now totals more than $6 million
- The formation of key partnerships with the departments of Justice and Transportation aimed at promoting officer safety and wellness
- The opening of the National Law Enforcement Museum
"There could be no greater personal privilege than to have led the Memorial Fund for the past 34 years," Mr. Floyd said. "I have never worn the badge, but this job has allowed me to meet thousands of law enforcement professionals and learn their heroic and noble stories of service and sacrifice. Now, through the Memorial and Museum, millions of others will have that same opportunity and come to better understand the vital role that law enforcement plays in our society."
For more information about the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, visit www.LawMemorial.org.
