Welcome to this issue of OFFICER Magazine. Normally I’d start out with some type of motivated statement followed by a review of what’s in the issue and closing with a safety message. It’s not a template... it’s just somehow what my brain produces. Today is different. How to the vagaries of print publishing, I’m typing this Letter From the Editor on September 11, 2026. I have spent most of my day focused on the anniversary of the terror attacks that happened on this date in 2001. Our Managing Editor, Paul Peluso, and I recorded a podcast this morning (Roll Call/The Lineup) and started our discussion recognizing that “anniversary” sounds like the wrong word. Anniversaries are usually things to be celebrated. Today is only meant for commemorating, honoring and respecting. There is no celebration except that our country and our profession continue on strong. I realize you’re reading this over a month after today, but I hope that doesn’t change how it impacts you. Some of you may be too young to remember that day — either you weren’t born yet, or you were so young it’s a vague memory. Know this: over 400 first responders lost their lives that day, most of them trying to save innocents. Over 10% of Americans lost that day were wearing a uniform as they tried to save lives. Remember them. Honor them. Never forget. Read our Honoring the Fallen section to learn more about the law enforcement professionals lost that day.

Now, in this issue you’ll also see information about a few annual projects OFFICER undertakes. Our Valor Awards are announced, and how fitting that those heroic officers are recognized alongside those who gave so much on Nine Eleven. Heroes are heroes no matter how they distinguished themselves, and we thank God that heroes put on the uniform every day to Protect and Serve.

Our Innovation Awards are announced. Many of us don’t think about it but there’s an entire industry that supports us from behind the scenes. The companies that manufacture all the tools we use, the uniforms we wear and the technologies we depend on are all part of that industry. A great many of the people working in those industries used to wear the uniform and they bring their expertise to the targeted effort of making our job safer.

A summary report of our annual State of the Industry Projection Survey is included. Each year we ask law enforcement leadership what’s going on with their budgets; not last year’s but in the coming year. From their responses we get an idea of how healthy our industry is; whether we’re growing, shrinking, gaining support, etc. It’s insightful and the full report is downloadable online as this magazine is published.

Now, remember there are those who would do us harm, or would try to harm those we are sworn to protect. Keep your head on a swivel. Stay alert. Stay alive. Go home to your family tonight and every night.