NPDF DIRECTOR RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL HUMANTARIAN AWARD

On December 5, 2009, NPDF Founder & Director Joseph Occhipinti, received a “Humanitarian Award” at Coppito, Italy for his life saving efforts on “Operation Kids”. The awards presentation presented by the “Committee della Croce” took place at the same government facility where President Obama attended the  G-8 summit last year.

The NPDF officials attending the awards presentation was Michele Mastrosimone (President of NPDF Italian Coalition), NPDF Delegate Fred Saraceno, NPDF Office Administrator Angela Occhipinti and NPDF Delegate Vincent Tummino. 

The theme for this year’s awards dinner was to honor public safety officers for meritorious service and valor who effectively responded to the April 6, 2009 earthquake in the city of L’Aquila that killed hundreds of their citizens and first responders.

Prior to the awards ceremony, NPDF officials were given special government permission to visit the disaster area wherein they met public safety officers from the Polizia Di Stato (Italian State Police), Vigili di Fuoco (National Fire Service), Carabineri (Italian Military Police), among others.  

In fact, NPDF officials participated in the actual delivery of emergency medical supplies being provided disaster victims and emergency personnel.

It was a very disturbing site that showed how this 5.8 earthquake basically demolished most of this towns housing and businesses. It appeared that the prompt response by emergency rescue efforts and action by the Italian government effectively prevented further casualties and effectively relocated most of the displaced residents.

During the award presentation, NPDF officials met with high ranking government and police officials who were impressed with the National Police Defense Foundation and seemed interested in having an affiliation with our Italian coalition, which is being administered by Officer Michel Mastrosimone.