This National Police Week, WMAL will honor the sacrifices of law enforcement officers through a series of impactful interviews with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF). From May 12 to May 17, 2025, WMAL’s Fallen Officers Tribute Week programming will highlight the stories of fallen heroes, the grief of their families, and the NLEOMF’s mission to preserve their legacies—all while raising critical funds for the organization.
On Monday, May 12, NLEOMF President Bill Alexander will join WMAL’s O’Connor & Company to kick off the week. Alexander will discuss the importance of National Police Week for families, explaining how events like the 37th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13 will provide healing by ensuring fallen officers’ names are read aloud and remembered. He will also highlight the NLEOMF’s role in maintaining the Memorial, which bears over 24,000 names, and emphasize the necessity of private donations, as the organization relies entirely on listener support to continue its work.
On Thursday, May 15, WMAL will host a special Fallen Officers Tribute interviews featuring NLEOMF ambassadors Congressman Troy Nehls (TX-22) and country music artist Frank Ray. Nehls, a former sheriff, will share his personal connection to the week and discuss his legislation to fund the NLEOMF and National Law Enforcement Museum, ensuring the stories of fallen officers endure. Ray, a retired officer from Las Cruces, will reflect on the emotional weight of the Candlelight Vigil and how his “FRAY” mental health campaign, inspired by his police experience, supports first responders. Both will urge listeners to donate to the NLEOMF to sustain its mission.
The week will conclude on Saturday, May 17, with a heartfelt interview with NLEOMF ambassador Lisa Terry, whose brother Justin was killed in 2022. Terry will share how the Memorial and the Candlelight Vigil bring her comfort, allowing her to connect with other grieving families. She will emphasize the importance of donations in preserving Justin’s legacy and supporting future tributes.
WMAL’s initiative will underscore the power of community support in honoring law enforcement. Please join WMAL in supporting NLEOMF’s mission by donating at NLEOMF.org/WMAL, where every dollar will help the NLEOMF honor the fallen, tell the story of American law enforcement, and make it safer for those who serve.
