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CRAIG FLOYD RECOGNIZED FOR KEEPING MEMORIES ALIVE OF FALLEN OFFICERS
George Mason Victimology Class Paid Tribute to NLEOMF Chairman
By Karen L. Bune
Following National Crime Victims’ Rights Week 2008 and preceding National Police Week 2008
, the 66 students enrolled in my victimology class at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia could not have made me prouder than they did when they honored
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Craig Floyd, of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF)
on April 21, 2008. The students engaged in a service project during the semester in which they chose to recognize Mr. Floyd
for his dedicated efforts and unrelenting support in remembering law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Throughout the semester, the upper level undergraduate students
have been studying criminal victimization and the multitude of crimes that embrace it.
They have become cognizant of the traumatic impact that can ensue in its aftermath, the secondary victimization that affects survivors, and the vicarious victimization that can result among others not directly involved in the incident. Though police officers are the ones to serve and protect, the students learned that they, too, can become victims of crime in the course of their duties.
Photo Courtesy of NLEOMF GMU victimology Class 2008
A former student of this professor and this victimology class, Chief Dennis Butler of the Ottawa
Kansas Police Department, comments about the memorial: “Forever memorializing their legacy honors not only the individual officer’s sacrifice, but also serves to recognize the tragic personal loss of
these heroes for thousands of spouses, children, parents, sibling, family members, and colleagues. Moreover, it serves as a constant reminder to our citizens that their ability to live free of oppression and
fear from others in their own communities is preserved through the commitment of every man and woman who pins on a badge and swears to uphold the constitution and the laws of their state and community.”
The students’ decision to pay tribute to Mr. Floyd focused on his clear understanding of criminal
victimization that motivates his devotion and proactive efforts to continually and successfully secure funding for the National Law Enforcement Memorial
and the new museum that is under construction in Washington, D. C. Mr. Floyd remains tireless in his determination to proactively
support fallen officers and survivors.
The students and professor donated $350.00 to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and presented Mr. Floyd with a check in the amount of $350.00. He was also presented a plaque with an inscription that was created by the students that reads:
“In grateful dedication to a never-ending passion. The GMU victimology students salute Mr. Craig
Floyd Thank you and May the memory of fallen officers live on through your work.”
In a subsequent thank you note to the professor that was shared with the class, Mr. Floyd
stated:
“Thanks very much for the wonderful tribute that you and your class paid to me and our organization
last week….To think that a group of college students thought enough of the work that we are doing to honor America’s law enforcement professionals is truly encouraging. One of our missions is to
increase public support for law enforcement (a goal I know that you hold dear)—it appears from this award presentation that our efforts have struck a chord! Based on my conversation with a number of
your students, I would say that the future of law enforcement and our nation is in good shape.
I want to also express my personal thanks to you. I know that your support for our work and cause had
much to do with this award presentation, and I am very grateful for your support. We share much in common, especially our great appreciation for the law enforcement profession…”
The students derived a great deal of benefit from this project. They were able to comprehend the significance of victimization and the enduring sense of loss and grief that accompanies tragic
circumstances as a result of crime. Following the evening of tribute, one student commented, “I thought the event was a huge success. You could tell how touched Mr. Floyd was to receive the plaque and also
the donation. It is most definitely an experience I will never forget as I finish up my last few weeks at
Mason.” Another student stated, “I just wanted to thank you for allowing us to honor someone as noble and deserving as Mr. Floyd. Last night was a wonderful experience…Thank you for allowing me the
opportunity to participate in something I can take pride in…”
Through their efforts and generosity, the students recognize the importance of selflessness and are
aware that reaching out to others can positively impact them in a meaningful way. Annalee Hiligh, the
student representative of the class, sums up the general sentiment: “Normally, victims are referred to as being of weak nature such as the elderly, young, and disabled, and police officers are referred to as
being strong. Therefore, it is unlikely for society to think of police officers as being possible victims. Because of Craig Floyd and the NLEOMF, I have a greater appreciation for our law enforcement and
the impact that victimization has on the law enforcement community and their families. I was proud to participate in recognizing Craig Floyd.”
Photo courtesy of NLEOMF. L.to R.: Annalee Hiligh, Victimology Student, Prof. Karen L. Bune, Craig Floyd,
Chairman and CEO, NLEOMF
During National Police Week (May 11- 17, 2008), the George Mason University
victimology class and this professor will, along with the rest of the nation, remember the law enforcement heroes that so
valiantly served our communities and lost their lives in protecting the public safety of us all. All of us should reflect upon the words of Tacitus, “In valor there is hope.”
Copyright © 2008 Karen L. Bune
 ***Karen L. Bune is employed as a Victim Specialist in the State’s Attorney’s Office for Prince George’s County, Maryland. She is an
Adjunct Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia and at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia where she teaches victimology. Ms. Bune
serves as a consultant for the Office for Victims of Crime, U. S. Department of Justice. She is a nationally recognized speaker and trainer. She is a Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress and a
Diplomate of the Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and The National Center for Crisis Management. She is also Board Certified in Domestic Violence. Ms. Bune received the 2007
Notable Alumni Award from the Dept. of Public Affairs, American University, Washington, D. C. Ms. Bune appears in the 2008 edition of “Marquis Who’s Who in the World.”
MORE STORIES BY KAREN BUNE:
SHAQUITA BELL CASE
MERGER OF USCP AND LOC POLICE
SGT JOE GENTILE, DC MPD PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
VIRGINIA TECH TRAGEDY GRIPS THE NATION
CONFLICTING PERSPECTIVES FOCUS ATTENTION ON RESPONSE STATEGIES TO ANTI-WAR PROTESTORS
D. C. POLICE CHIEF RAMSEY’S DEPARTURE LEAVES LEGACY OF GREAT
ACCOMPLISHMENT
CHIEF MORSE ROLE ENHANCED BY GAINER APPOINTMENT AS US SENATE SGT AT ARMS
US BORDER PATROL AGENTS ARE THE VICTIMS
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GETS ATTENTION
U. S. PARK POLICE FORCE IN DISARRAY
D.C. POLICE COMMANDER SOLBERG’S APOLOGY UNNECESSARY
POLICE VICTIMIZATION HAS WIDE IMPACT
US CAPITOL POLICE CHIEF GAINER RESIGNS
PERSISTANCE PAYS OFF FOR MIMI
MAJOR LINDA DIXON FULFILLS PROMISE TO VICTIM
METRO DC POLICE GAY AND LESBIAN LIAISON UNIT
U.S. CAPITOL POLICE CHIEF GAINER
US CAPITOL POLICE MOUNTED UNIT DEALT A HARD BLOW
TRIBUTE TO CHIEF GAINER
CONGRESSWOMAN MCKINNEY - SUPERB EXAMPLE OF NON-VICTIM
RETURN TO NY COP HOMEPAGE
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