National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces March 2026 Officers of the Month
Officers recognized for response to IED incident and actions that helped prevent harm to the public
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 30, 2026) – The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) today announced Chief Aaron Edwards and Sergeant Luis Navarro of the New York City (NY) Police Department as the Officers of the Month for March 2026. Chief Edwards and Sgt. Navarro are being recognized for their actions in a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) incident in New York City.
In early March, NYPD officers responded to reports that two individuals had thrown an explosive device into a public area near Gracie Mansion in New York City. When Chief Edwards and Sergeant Navarro arrived on the scene, they immediately moved toward the area, while additional units began securing the surrounding area.
As the situation developed, Chief Edwards located the suspects moments before they were able to deploy another IED and tackled one of the individuals. At the same time, Sergeant Luis Navarro ran toward another lit explosive device to address the immediate threat and protect individuals in the vicinity.
“Chief Edwards and Sergeant Navarro responded as the situation unfolded, prioritizing the safety of others, in critical incidents like this, officers are required to make immediate decisions with public safety at stake,” said Bill Alexander, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “Their actions reflect the role officers serve in responding to unpredictable threats on a daily basis.”
The Officer of the Month Award Program is sponsored by the Police Unity Tour and recognizes federal, state, and local officers who distinguish themselves through exemplary law enforcement service and devotion to duty.
— www.NLEOMF.org —
About the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the fallen, telling the story of American law enforcement, and making it safer for those who serve. The first pillar of this mission, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., honors the names of all the 24,775 officers who have died in the line of duty to date throughout U.S. history. Additionally, NLEOMF maintains and publishes comprehensive details on the circumstances surrounding official line-of-duty deaths. The Officer Safety and Wellness pillar uses that data, coupled with best-practice program models, to produce programming directed at solutions to improve survivability and enhance wellness. NLEOMF’s third pillar, the National Law Enforcement Museum (LawEnforcementMuseum.org) is committed to preserving the history of American law enforcement and sharing the experiences of service and sacrifice for generations to come.
MEDIA CONTACT
Mike Twiname | [email protected] | 667-678-0426