WASHINGTON, DC - The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) announced during its 2001 Legal Rights and Legislative Seminar in Washington, D>C., the recipients of its annual congressional awards. This year's honorees are Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO) and Representative Joel Hefley (R-CO_. Both Members of Congress were chosen for introducing and working to pass legislation to establish a National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, D.C.

In 1999, Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell introduced S. 1428, 'The National Law Enforcement Museum Act,' to establish a museum on federal land across the street from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Representative Joel Hefley introduced companion legislation in the House, H.R.2710. The bill was passed by congress and signed into law on November 8, 2000.

The National Law Enforcement Museum will highlight the proud history of the law enforcement profession and educate the public about the dangers and importance of the job. The museum will aso house a research repository that will serve as a clearinghouse for information to promote law enforcement safety. It promises to be the most comprehensive law enforcement museum and research facility in the world.