How One Man Built a National Monument to Honor Every Fallen Police Officer in America
Craig Floyd spent 34 years building America's most sacred tribute to fallen law enforcement officers, transforming a simple idea into the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum that honors nearly 25,000 heroes.
Working initially as a legislative assistant to Congressman Mario Biaggi—the most decorated police officer in NYC history—Floyd had no idea he was about to embark on a lifetime mission. What started as one project among many became his calling when he met survivors like Vivian Ney, whose husband was killed in a training accident. Her words about feeling alone after her loss changed everything: "If a letter of condolence would mean that much to a survivor, what would a national monument mean?"
Floyd's journey wasn't easy. After struggling for two years and raising only $44,000 of the millions needed, he almost lost authorization to build the memorial. But through determination, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to law enforcement families, he succeeded in creating not just a memorial, but Police Week—now drawing 40,000 people annually to honor the fallen and support 6,000 survivors.
KEY MOMENTS:
7:06 - How Craig got started with the memorial project
15:07 - The first candlelight vigil and Police Week events
34:39 - Meeting the survivors who changed his perspective
41:19 - The struggles and near-failures in building the memorial
48:39 - Most memorable and touching moments from 34 years
58:47 - Accepting the John Ashcroft Distinguished Service Award "I got to meet thousands of officers.
I got to meet the survivors of the fallen, got to know their families really well, got to know their loved one who died really well, even though I'd never met them." - Craig Floyd
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