FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  (pdf version)
April 29, 2014

Contacts:
Karla Pollack
(609) 498-7727; info@mercer200club.com

Gregory Blair, Board President
(609) 587-1600; gblair@nottinghaminsurance.com

Two Heroes to Receive Valor Awards at 200 Club of Mercer County Annual Luncheon

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Chairman and CEO Craig W. Floyd to Deliver Keynote

MERCER COUNTY, NJ— Raymond A. Amato and Thomas J. Ferrigno from the New Jersey State Police T.E.A.M.S. Unit will receive Valor Awards at 200 Club of Mercer County’s Annual Luncheon on June 11 at the Stone Terrace by John Henry’s in Hamilton. 250 supporters from the community are expected to attend to honor the Valor honorees and hear Craig W. Floyd’s keynote address.

The Valor Award is presented to an individual who has committed an act of bravery, beyond the call of duty, and at imminent personal risk to his own life and safety, and is the highest award bestowed by a 200 Club. A 200 Club Valor pin is the only pin allowed to be worn on the uniform of a New Jersey State Police officer outside of its own awards.

“This group of State Police on the scene of the Valor Award incident, like so many safety and rescue personnel, put their own lives in danger to protect others. Troopers Amato and Ferrigno’s selfless efforts and immediate actions stood out during the horrific hostage situation in Trenton,” said Greg Blair, president of the 200 Club of Mercer County. “Their courageous actions saved the lives of three children held hostage over several days. They are quiet real-life heroes that embody all that the Valor Award represents.”

Keynote speaker Craig W. Floyd is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), a nonprofit organization established in 1984 to honor the service and sacrifice of America’s law enforcement officers. Over the past 25 years, he has been one of law enforcement’s leading advocates–delivering speeches, hosting radio shows, publishing books, writing articles and conducting media interviews. His work as a Congressional aide, journalist and nonprofit leader has been widely credited with changing America’s attitude toward the law enforcement profession and saving officers’ lives. He will be traveling from Washington, DC to deliver a keynote address entitled “Remembering the Sacrifice, Celebrating the Service.”

Luncheon tickets cost $40 and can be purchased from www.Mercer200Club.org or by calling 609-498-7727. Luncheon sponsors to date: investors Bank (Gold sponsor), Doerler Landscapes, First Choice Bank, and Rt. 130 Car Wash & Express Lube.

About The 200 Club of Mercer County
The 200 Club of Mercer County is dedicated to providing financial assistance to the families of our police, fire, and rescue personnel in Mercer County who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Business and other members of the community come together to support our public safety personnel and their families in times of devastating loss. Established in 1979, the 200 Club of Mercer County has provided funds to a number of local families. The club also supports organizations like local chapters of The American Red Cross, Mercer County Fire Academy, NJSP Museum honoring fallen Troopers, NY/NJ Port Authority Police Widows Fund. Visit www.mercer200club.org to learn more.

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craig-floydCraig W. Floyd, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF)