Washington, May 17, 2001—The U.S. Mint Police received the 2001 Distinguished Service Award from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) at their Candlelight Vigil to honor fallen Police Officers last Sunday night, May 13.

The award, inscribed “In recognition of the exceptional and lasting contributions you have made to the law enforcement profession, and for all you have done to honor the sacrifices made by our nation’s fallen officers and their families in the preservation of public safety”, was accepted by Dr. William F. Daddio, Chief, U.S. Mint Police on behalf of the U.S. Mint Police force.

“I couldn’t be more proud that the U.S. Mint Police are the first police organization to be honored with the Law Enforcement Memorial’s prestigious award,” said Mint Deputy Director John Mitchell, while attending the event. “ It proves what I’ve always said and thought – that the U.S. Mint Police are among the very best in this country.”

“We are pleased and honored to received this award from the Law Enforcement Memorial. It is truly a testament to the hard work and dedication of every member of our Police Force. We thank Craig Floyd and the Memorial organization for this special recognition,” said U.S. Mint Police Chief Daddio.

Established in 1792, the U.S. Mint Police are one of the older law enforcement agencies in the nation. Having set the standard “as secure as Fort Knox,” U.S. Mint Police Officers continue to meet that standard every day protecting over 2,000 Mint employees, hundreds of thousands of yearly visitors and $100 billion of America’s gold, silver, platinum and coins.

The nearly 500 U.S. Mint Police Officers protect Fort Knox, the four U.S. Mint production facilities in West Point, NY; Philadelphia, PA; Denver, CO; San Francisco, CA; Lanham, Maryland, and the Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and provide protection advice and assistance to other federal law enforcement agencies and foreign governments.

Legislation authorizing the Memorial to be built was enacted into law in October 1984. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial was dedicated on October 15, 1991, and it’s mission is to generate increased public support for the law enforcement profession by permanently recording and appropriately commemorating the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers; and to provide information that will help promote law enforcement safety.