The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) has revealed the recipients of the highly esteemed Destination Zero National Officer Safety and Wellness Awards. These awards recognize agencies that have excelled in implementing best-practice, agency-level initiatives focused on officer safety and wellness.
Since its inception in 2014, Destination Zero has strived to identify and showcase unique and innovative programs implemented by law enforcement agencies across the United States. The primary aim is to reduce risk factors for line-of-duty deaths and promote the sharing of successful program designs and outcomes with the broader law enforcement community.
Following a rigorous evaluation process involving diverse experts from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, five finalists were selected to represent each award category. The winners of the 2023 National Officer Safety and Wellness Awards are:
- General Officer Safety: Lafayette (IN) Police Department
- Officer Traffic Safety: Chesterfield County (VA) Police Department
- Officer Wellness: McHenry County (IL) Conservation District Police Department
- Comprehensive Wellness: Irving (TX) Police Department
- Comprehensive Safety: Gloucester Township (NJ) Police Department
Among the winners, Irving's Public Safety Wellness Unit for Comprehensive Wellness was recognized for its outstanding efforts in promoting holistic wellness and resilience programs for officers. The unit's dedication to the physical and mental well-being of its law enforcement personnel garnered high praise from the NLEOMF.
"Proud of Irving’s Public Safety Wellness Unit for their well-deserved national recognition. PSWU effectively and compassionately take care of cops as they take care of us. Congratulations!!!," tweeted Irving Police Chief Derick Miller.
The award ceremony, sponsored by Verizon, will take place at the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, DC, during the organization’s Annual Awards Ceremony and Reception, coinciding with Police Weekend events in late September.
Troy Anderson, Executive Director of Officer Safety and Wellness at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, emphasized the importance of acknowledging agencies' achievements in the fields of officer safety and wellness. He also praised the winning agencies for their innovative and creative approaches that contribute to the ultimate goal of reducing line-of-duty injuries or fatalities.
The NLEOMF's ongoing commitment to honoring the fallen, sharing the stories of American law enforcement, and promoting a safer environment for those who serve continues to drive positive change throughout the law enforcement community. Through Destination Zero and the Officer Safety and Wellness Awards, these organizations strive to inspire further progress in safeguarding the dedicated men and women who protect and serve their communities every day.
