The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) is pleased to announce the winners of the Destination Zero National Officer Safety and Wellness Awards, which highlight agency-level achievements in the areas of officer safety and wellness.
NLEOMF, whose mission is to honor the fallen, tell the story of American law enforcement and make it safer for those who serve, launched Destination Zero in 2014 with a goal to identify agencies conducting unique and innovative programs aimed at reducing risk factors for line-of-duty deaths, and to share the design and outcomes of these programs with the national law enforcement community. Agencies with successful programs are asked to submit details of their initiatives and be considered for a national officer safety and wellness award.
Awards are presented in the following five categories:
- General Safety: Programs that directly affect officers’ physical safety while performing their jobs.
- Traffic Safety: Initiatives designed to reduce automobile crashes and limit the risk factors of operating a motor vehicle or managing traffic. Programs that increase seatbelt use, limited distractions or reduce driving speeds are also included in this category.
- Officer Wellness: Fitness programs, mental health programs and initiatives, such as peer support groups and nutrition.
- Comprehensive Wellness: Robust approaches to holistic wellness and resilience programs.
- Comprehensive Safety: Programs that demonstrate the most comprehensive approach and implementation of well-rounded safety efforts.
Following months of review and evaluation of the more than 25 submitted programs, a diverse committee of experts representing federal, state and local law enforcement agencies selected the award recipients for each of the five categories.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund proudly announces the following 2026 National Officer Safety and Wellness Award winners:
- Comprehensive Safety: Lee County (FL) Sheriff’s Office
- Comprehensive Wellness: DC Metro (DC) Police Department
- General Safety: Pembroke Pines (FL) Police Department
- Officer Wellness: Broward County (FL) Sheriff’s Office
- Traffic Safety: Morton Grove (IL) Police Department
The Lee County (FL) Sheriff’s Office, winner of Comprehensive Safety, has implemented a technology-driven officer safety program that enhances situational awareness, tactical response and deputy protection. The agency uses a Real Time Intelligence Center, drones, armored vehicles and advanced equipment to improve decision-making and reduce risk during critical incidents. Deputies also receive immersive scenario-based training and upgraded protective gear to strengthen preparedness and safety. School safety initiatives, including threat investigations and advanced security technology, further support both deputy and community protection. Overall, the program demonstrates a comprehensive approach to improving officer safety through innovation, training and proactive risk management.
The District of Columbia Metropolitan (DC) Police Department, winner of Comprehensive Wellness, established an Employee Well-Being Office (EWBO) in 2021, which supports employee wellness through programs focused on physical, mental and emotional health. It offers mentoring, peer support, wellness training, counseling, fitness resources and family support to help members manage the demands of law enforcement both during and post career. These initiatives and partnerships promote resilience, improve well-being and strengthen a culture of care across one of the busiest law enforcement agencies in the nation.
The Pembroke Pines (FL) Police Department, winner of the General Safety Award, emphasizes officer safety through extensive training, advanced equipment and specialized units that prepare officers for a wide range of situations. The department equips officers with protective gear, medical resources and modern technology to improve safety and emergency response. It also supports employee wellness through peer support, mental health resources and fitness programs. Strong community partnerships and outreach initiatives further enhance public safety and trust. Overall, the department takes a proactive approach by integrating training, wellness, technology and community engagement.
The Broward County (FL) Sheriff’s Office, winner of Officer Wellness, has developed a comprehensive wellness program that supports employees’ physical, mental, spiritual and financial well-being. The program includes a 24/7 fitness center, behavioral health services, peer support, critical incident response, chaplain services and financial education. Wellness technology, newsletters and outreach campaigns keep employees engaged and informed. Strong leadership has integrated wellness into the agency’s culture and daily operations. Overall, the program promotes resilience, health and long-term employee well-being.
The Morton Grove (IL) Police Department, winner of the Traffic Safety Award, has made traffic safety a core priority through advanced training, modern equipment and strong supervisory oversight. Officers receive recurring traffic safety training, and department vehicles are equipped with safety technology and emergency response tools. The department uses traffic data, community feedback and crash reviews to improve enforcement and policies. Performance evaluations and recognition programs reinforce safe driving and effective traffic enforcement. The department also promotes public safety through education initiatives, including child passenger safety programs. Its repeated success in the Illinois Traffic Safety Challenge demonstrates a sustained commitment to traffic safety and continuous improvement.
“The goal of the Destination Zero National Officer Safety and Wellness Awards has been and will continue to be centered around our mission to make it safer for those who serve and to keep names off our memorial walls,” said Troy Anderson, executive director of officer safety and wellness at NLEOMF. “These winning agencies have been selected following a stringent and comprehensive selection process. They are simply the best of the best, and their work stands as a testament that by investing in our officer’s safety and wellness, the communities they serve will be better protected.
“Without the ongoing partnership and generosity from our long-term partner, Verizon Frontline, bringing the exceptional work of these winning agencies to the forefront would not be possible,” added Anderson.
The winners of the Officer Safety and Wellness Awards will be formally recognized at NLEOMF’s 2026 Annual Awards Ceremony, also sponsored by Verizon Frontline, on September 25.
Law enforcement agencies are encouraged to submit details about their successful safety and wellness programs by applying for the annual 2027 Officer Safety and Wellness Awards through an online application process at NLEOMF.org.
