The National Fallen Officer Foundation is a "national" law enforcement support organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to public safety advocacy, supporting fallen officer families, and providing resources to mitigate risks for police across America. The National Fallen Officer Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, focuses on three key pillars: raising awareness about officer safety threats, steadfast advocacy for law enforcement, and comprehensive assistance for families navigating the aftermath of losing an officer in the line of duty.
In recent years, as law enforcement has become more politicized, the National Fallen Officer Foundation has strived to maintain a balanced perspective by educating and consulting political leaders on policies affecting policing and community safety. This commitment has made the National Fallen Officer Foundation a dynamic organization that not only addresses systemic issues but also proactively develops solutions to mitigate risks for our serving officers.
The National Fallen Officer Foundation began its mission in 2008 as the Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation following the tragic loss of a colleague. In 2017, due to our nationwide advocacy, the Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation evolved into the National Fallen Officer Foundation with headquarters in Washington, D.C. Since our inception, community engagement has been at the core of our mission. It is our belief that without positive ties to the community, effective policing is impossible. That's why our Foundation has put countless hours into community engagement to help bridge the gap between the community and police departments nationwide. These interactions range from: attending schools to promote anti-bullying campaigns, visiting hospitals to show support for the sick, and speaking at community events to stop the violence in our inner-city communities.
The National Fallen Officer Foundation offers a range of vital services aimed at advocating for federal safety legislation, supporting the families of law enforcement and military officers killed in the line-of-duty and providing resources to mitigate risks for active duty officers.
The National Fallen Officer Foundation is dedicated to advocating for national public safety policy that safeguard both law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. Our efforts focus on promoting initiatives that enhance safety measures, foster community trust, and uphold the well-being of all involved.
The National Fallen Officer Foundation provides comprehensive support to the families of fallen officers, including financial assistance, counseling services, and access to resources designed to help them navigate the challenging journey of grief and loss. Our goal is to ensure that these families receive the care and support they need during this difficult time.
One of the defining characteristics of the National Fallen Officer Foundation is our inclusive approach to providing support and assistance. Unlike many organizations, we do not require membership for families to receive benefits, nor do we place any restrictions on the donations made to these families. This ensures that our services are accessible to all those in need without any barriers or limitations.
The executive board of the National Fallen Officer Foundation is comprised of experienced law enforcement officials from diverse backgrounds and regions across the United States. Each member of our team is uniquely qualified and understands the challenges facing law enforcement in America today.
Sgt. Dr. Demetrick “Tre” Pennie is a nationally recognized law enforcement advocate, military veteran, and accomplished educator with over 22 years of distinguished service as a Dallas Police Sergeant. He is the visionary founder of the Dallas Fallen Officer Foundation, Texas Fallen Officer Foundation, and the National Fallen Officer Foundation—each established to honor and support America’s fallen heroes and their families.
A passionate supporter of military service, education, philanthropy, and law enforcement, Dr. Pennie has dedicated his life to bridging the gap between police and the communities they serve. He is also a proud U.S. Army veteran, having completed four years of honorable service.
Dr. Pennie’s academic background is equally impressive. He holds an Associate of Science in Administration of Justice from Honolulu Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Midwestern State University, a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University, and a Doctor of Education from Texas Tech University. In addition to his public service, he currently serves as a university professor, educating the next generation of criminal justice and public service professionals.
As a prominent public figure, Dr. Pennie has been featured across national television, radio, and media outlets for his leadership on public safety policy. In his role as Senior Consultant and Honorary President, he continues to provide strategic guidance and subject matter expertise to advance the mission of the National and Texas Fallen Officer Foundations.
Sgt. Merlin Lofton is a highly respected 20-year retired veteran of the Dallas Police Department, where he dedicated his career to protecting the most vulnerable communities and strengthening bonds between law enforcement and the public. As Chief Executive Officer and Director of Operations, Sgt. Lofton provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the organization, drawing from decades of frontline experience and community engagement.
During his tenure with the Dallas Police Department, Sgt. Lofton patrolled some of the city’s most challenging neighborhoods, where he not only apprehended dangerous offenders but also became a passionate advocate for at-risk youth. His commitment to community-based policing helped lay the groundwork for more compassionate and collaborative law enforcement efforts citywide.
As a leader of the Heroes, Cops, and Kids initiative, Sgt. Lofton brought national attention to innovative community outreach by creating a youth-focused program centered around positive engagement. In a unique approach to mentorship, he donned a Captain America costume while offering counseling and inspiration to young people in underserved areas—a gesture that captured the hearts of many and earned front-page coverage in major news outlets across the country.
Sgt. Lofton’s exemplary service has been recognized through multiple prestigious honors, including the Dallas Police Department’s Life Saving Award and the Meritorious Conduct Award. Beyond the badge, he remains deeply committed to youth mentorship through his active involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Texas.
Officer Kerri C. Long has been with the Tyler Police Department for over 20 years. She has served in various units throughout the department including Patrol Operations and the Criminal Investigation Division. Kerri is currently assigned with the Investigation and Tactical Unit where she serves as a Community Resource Officer. Her responsibilities include the coordination of major public events, community meetings, and organizing direct communication between the police department and its citizens as a liaison for the department within her assigned area.
In addition to her regular assigned duties, Kerri is actively engaged and serves the department in a leadership capacity as an Explorer Advisor mentoring the young men and women of the Boy Scouts of America's Explorer Program. Additionally, Kerri serves the department by assisting in safety classes provided to the women of Tyler, Texas. Kerri has received several citations and awards during her service as a Tyler Police Officer. Further, she sits on the board of the East Texas Crime Prevention Association and is an active member of the East Texas Substance Abuse Coalition.
In her private capacity, Kerri serves as a member of the Fraud Squad with the Better Business Bureau for Tyler. Kerri also currently serves as the Vice President of the Texas Fallen Officer Foundation.
Ethan Stone is a seasoned digital strategist and full-stack web architect with over two decades of experience in designing and managing dynamic online platforms. Since 2001, he has led digital initiatives for political organizations at the local, state, and national levels. Ethan has been a trusted technology partner to Sgt. Tre Pennie since 2016, currently overseeing all web operations for both the National Fallen Officer Foundation and the Texas Fallen Officer Foundation.
As Director of Digital Strategy and Web Infrastructure, Ethan is responsible for not only developing and maintaining websites but also driving comprehensive digital engagement strategies. His diverse skill set spans web development, graphic design, server and database administration, video production, targeted email campaigns, and social media management. His ability to integrate technology with mission-driven messaging has elevated the digital presence and operational efficiency of every organization he supports.
Ethan holds a bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies from Brigham Young University–Idaho, with focused studies in graphic design and accounting. He currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, with his wife and three children.
Mark is the Principal Consultant of Monroy CFO Advisory Services LLC, which provides fractional CFO services to businesses primarily in the professional service industry. He most recently played an instrumental role with a $180 million revenue security/broker-dealer client in preparing and reviewing audited financial statements and quality of earnings reports for potential mergers. Last serving as the Chief Financial Officer of a 250+ attorney law firm, Mark helps businesses strategically devise a methodical plan to increase profitability, reduce expenses, and improve cash flow. He has led multiple businesses through ERP upgrades and implementations as well as the completion of cloud-based financial reporting platforms. His passion is helping businesses succeed through a servant leadership philosophy.
Mark holds a B.S. in Accounting and M.S in Accounting from the University of Dallas in Irving, Texas.
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