Sixty- six students are enrolled in the undergraduate course, Victims and Victimization that I teach at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Many of them are majoring in criminal justice, but some are majoring in other fields as well. The course content enables the student to learn a broad range of issues related to the impact of criminal victimization that results from various types of crimes. The course is designed to provide students a realistic perspective concerning all aspects of victimization and the manner in which it can affect diverse populations in wide ranging communities. Upon completion of the course, students should have a comprehensive knowledge base combined with practical skills to understand how to appropriately respond, with sensitivity and respect, to traumatized victims.
During this spring 2008 semester, encouragement was provided to students to engage in a service project involving a team effort on the part of all students in the class. After soliciting a number of suggestions, they decided to honor Mr. Craig Floyd, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF). Mr. Floyd was chosen for special recognition, for his understanding of criminal victimization within the police community, and for keeping alive the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for public safety.
The students, as well as the professor, wanted to demonstrate appreciation for his unwavering devotion and proactive efforts - on the national level - to secure funding for the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund as well as the 95,000 square foot, underground museum that is being constructed in Washington, D. C. adjacent to the Memorial in D.C.'s historic Judiciary Square. The projected opening date for the museum is in 2011. The memorial, dedicated in 1991, now contains the names of 18,274 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty, and the total includes 358 officers whose names are being added this year. Names will be formally dedicated on the Memorial during the 20th annual candlelight vigil, on May 13, 2008, and during National Police Week that runs from May 11 - May 17, 2008.
The victimology students spent more than a month discussing and planning how they would honor Mr. Floyd for his work. The final consensus was to make a monetary donation from the entire class to the Memorial Fund. Additionally, the class decided to pay tribute to his work with presentation of a plaque. The students jointly created the inscription they felt would be appropriate as well as the logos they wanted embedded on the plaque. The NLEOMF logo and the George Mason University logo were the two selected.
Annalee Hiligh, a student in the class, not only made arrangements with Cassell's Engraving in Herndon, Virginia for preparation of the plaque, but she took the initiative to write a letter to the owner, Mr. Lee Cassell, and relayed to him the nature and purpose of the class project. Upon learning of this endeavor, Mr. Cassell generously offered to donate the plaque to the class.
Mr. Floyd was invited to the class; however, he was not apprised of the reason for his presence other than being told, by this professor, that his presence at the class was necessary. Everyone wanted this to be a complete surprise for Mr. Floyd. Within his organization, the few people who were made aware of the surprise were sworn to secrecy and told not to spill the beans.
Invitations were also extended to Chief David Rohrer, of the Fairfax County Virginia Police Department, who is also a former student of this professor and of this particular course. Chief Rohrer dealt with two terrible tragedies within his own department in which two officers - Detective Vicki Armel and Officer Michael Garbino - were gunned down at the Sully police station, and he interacted with Mr. Floyd in the aftermath of their deaths.
Former Prince George's County Maryland Police Major (Retired), Linda Dixon, who currently is Commander of the Office of Professional Services, with the rank of Inspector, for Amtrak Police, also attended. Dixon is keenly attuned to victim issues. After promising a victim of a horrific crime that she would find the perpetrator who brutally raped, slashed, and left her for dead, Dixon spent 22 years working the case and achieved her goal by finding the individual and bringing him to justice.
The class event was held on April 21, 2008 at George Mason University. Mr. Floyd was presented a check in the amount of $350.00 that represented the class donation to the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, and he was also presented a plaque with the inscription: "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." Following the presentations, student, Mai Abdalla, led a toast. The class raised their glasses of non-alcoholic cider and congratulated and thanked Mr. Craig for his dedication and accomplishments.
Mr. Floyd seemed genuinely touched by the class recognition, and he graciously accepted the honor. Thanking the class, Mr. Floyd subsequently addressed the group and told of the passion he has for his work. He provided information about the museum under construction and he indicated the design is nearly 100% complete. He explained it is the first-ever national museum dedicated to law enforcement and authorized by the United States Congress. He noted that, in 2007, officer deaths rose 20%, that 83 traffic fatalities were the highest ever, and that it was the deadliest year since 1989.
Fairfax County Police Chief David Rohrer addressed the class following the ceremony. "Craig has very ably bridged the gaps between law enforcement and the public and has ensured and reminded officers that someone cares. He has ensured the story of every fallen officer is told and that their sacrifice is remembered. He is humble about his efforts, and he ensures the 'spotlight' and the honor and the love is always focused appropriately on the survivors, loved ones, friends, and co-workers of the fallen officers. Craig deserves to be recognized for his contribution to law enforcement in ensuring that the sacrifices of American law enforcement officers are never forgotten and in helping to make the Law Enforcement Officer Museum a reality."
Upon learning of the class project that honored Mr. Craig, Chief Teresa Chambers of the Riverdale Park, Maryland Police Department and former United States Park Police Chief, commented, "Craig Floyd's compassion and passion for the police profession, police officers, and our families are endless. In honoring our fallen heroes and seeing that they are never forgotten, Mr. Floyd has honored each person who currently serves as a law enforcement officer or who has ever done so. Words are inadequate to convey the gratitude he deserves for all he has done to elevate our profession and to ensure that our colleagues have not died in vain."
In the public safety arena throughout the nation, Mr. Floyd is highly respected for his tireless efforts and lasting compassion for fallen officers and survivors. Police chiefs throughout the country are cognizant of his contributions and grateful for his commitment. "The work that Director Craig Floyd and the National law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund are doing, by commemorating the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers, is phenomenal. Director Floyd is to be commended for his tireless efforts to ensure that those women and men, who have made an unselfish sacrifice giving their lives so that we can live in a safe and secure environment, are never forgotten," says Atlanta Police Chief Richard J. Pennington.
From this experience of honoring Mr. Floyd, students were able to integrate the meaning of selflessness and the significance of community outreach that is vital to effectively responding to the impact of criminal victimization. Their knowledge was enhanced by recognizing that law enforcement officers - who serve and protect - become vulnerable to victimization, and the impact of losses leaves an indelible and profound mark of enduring grief on the lives of those it touches.
