Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce Participates in National Police Defense Foundation Awards Dinner Honoring U.S. Attorney General Senior Advisor Alina Habba, Secret Service Director Sean Curran, Former White House Counselor Kellyanne Conway, CBP Director Francis Russo and America’s Top Federal and Law Enforcement Leaders
More than 600 senior law enforcement officials, federal agents, sheriffs, police chiefs, prosecutors, public safety advocates, and civic leaders gathered Wednesday evening at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York, for the National Police Defense Foundation’s 2026 Annual Awards Dinner — one of the region’s largest law enforcement recognition gatherings of the year and a powerful display of unity between federal agencies, local police leadership, and community organizations at a time when public safety remains at the center of national attention.
Hosted by the National Police Defense Foundation (NPDF), the event honored a distinguished group of national leaders, including Alina Habba, Senior Advisor to the United States Attorney General; Sean C. Curran, Director of the United States Secret Service; former White House Senior Counselor Kellyanne Conway; Francis J. Russo, Director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection in New York; Sgt. Vincent Vallelong, President of the NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association; Kyle S. Reyes, CEO of Law Enforcement Today Magazine; and Commander Anthony Lordo Jr. of the United States Park Police, recognizing their contributions to public safety, homeland security, law enforcement advocacy, communications, and public service.
The evening reflected growing national concern surrounding violent crime, antisemitism, border security, cyber threats, trafficking, attacks on law enforcement personnel, and the increasing pressure facing police departments and federal agencies nationwide. Organizers said the strong turnout demonstrated broad bipartisan and cross-sector support for law enforcement and the men and women serving on the front lines of public safety.
The Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce (OJCC) participated prominently in the event as an affiliated sister organization working closely together with the National Police Defense Foundation through its Vice President of Public Safety and Law Enforcement, Rabbi Tzvi Berkowitz, who also serves as Chaplain of the NPDF.
During opening remarks, Rabbi Berkowitz praised NPDF Founder Joseph Occhipinti for decades of leadership advocating on behalf of law enforcement officers and strengthening cooperation between public safety agencies and the communities they serve.
“Joseph Occhipinti has dedicated his life to standing with the men and women who protect our communities every single day,” Rabbi Berkowitz said. “At a time when law enforcement faces extraordinary pressures, organizations like the National Police Defense Foundation continue to play a critical role in supporting those who risk their lives for public safety.”
Several honorees were recognized not only for their professional accomplishments but for the broader national impact of their work. Alina Habba, who has emerged as one of the country’s most recognized legal and governmental figures through her senior advisory role within the Department of Justice, was praised for her leadership and visibility during a period of heightened national legal and political scrutiny.
Sean C. Curran, who leads the United States Secret Service, was recognized for overseeing one of America’s most sensitive protective and investigative agencies responsible for presidential security operations, financial crime investigations, and safeguarding critical national infrastructure amid rising global threats.
The event also highlighted the importance of border protection and international trade security through the recognition of Francis J. Russo, whose decades-long leadership at U.S. Customs and Border Protection has placed him at the forefront of protecting one of the nation’s busiest international gateways and coordinating efforts tied to customs enforcement, trade integrity, and homeland security.
Former White House Senior Counselor Kellyanne Conway was recognized for her longstanding influence on political communications, media strategy, and national public affairs leadership. Organizers described her as one of the most influential political strategists of the modern era whose work continues shaping public dialogue across the country.
Meanwhile, Sgt. Vincent Vallelong was honored for advocating on behalf of New York City police sergeants and frontline officers during one of the most challenging periods for policing in recent memory, while Kyle S. Reyes was recognized for building Law Enforcement Today Magazine into one of the nation’s most influential law enforcement-focused media platforms amplifying the voices and concerns of officers nationwide.
The event additionally honored Commander Anthony Lordo Jr. of the United States Park Police for his service protecting federal parks, national landmarks, and critical public spaces throughout the New York region.
Among the senior federal officials in attendance was Michael A. Ratta, Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Division for the FBI and U.S. Department of Justice in New York, who attended as a special guest of both the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce and the National Police Defense Foundation. Joining him was his New Jersey counterpart from the FBI, underscoring the strong coordination between federal law enforcement leadership, civic organizations, and public safety advocates gathered at the event.
Senior representatives from the United States Secret Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, sheriff’s offices, and numerous law enforcement agencies throughout New York and New Jersey were also present, including officials from Nassau County, Bergen County, Middletown, New Jersey, and multiple municipal police departments and public safety agencies.
Attendees throughout the evening emphasized the importance of maintaining close working relationships between community organizations and law enforcement agencies as cities across the nation continue facing growing security and social challenges. Several officials noted that gatherings like the NPDF dinner have become increasingly important for strengthening communication and cooperation between federal agencies, local police departments, business organizations, and civic leaders.
As an affiliated partner organization, the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce was recognized throughout the evening for maintaining strong relationships across multiple sectors of law enforcement and public safety leadership and for its work assisting businesses, families, and individuals facing regulatory, emergency, and security-related challenges.
Duvi Honig, Founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, said the organization frequently works alongside law enforcement officials and public agencies helping individuals and businesses navigate emergency situations, bureaucratic obstacles, and public safety concerns when traditional systems fail.
“It was truly an honor to stand together with over 600 law enforcement leaders in one room united around a shared mission of protecting the American people,” Honig said. “We work closely with many of these officials year-round helping people in need, especially when families or businesses don’t know where to turn. Our men and women in uniform put their lives in danger every single day to keep Americans safe, and it is crucial that communities publicly show their support and appreciation.”
Honig added that the Chamber believes strengthening partnerships between civic organizations, businesses, and law enforcement agencies has become increasingly critical in today’s environment and praised the National Police Defense Foundation for continuing to unite leaders from all sectors around a common mission of public safety and community protection.
Founded by former NYPD detective and nationally recognized public safety advocate Joseph Occhipinti, the National Police Defense Foundation has spent decades supporting officers, advocating for law enforcement families, and building bridges between communities and public safety agencies throughout the United States.
Attendees described the evening as more than an awards dinner — calling it a rare national-level gathering where federal agencies, local law enforcement leaders, media executives, business organizations, and community advocates came together around a common goal of reinforcing public safety and supporting the men and women serving on the front lines across America.
By JBizNews Desk