The nationally renowned non-profit dedicated to serving the law enforcement community has over 210,000 members and supporters nationwide.

“It is with great pride to inform you that you have been nominated by the Executive Board of the National Police Defense Foundation (NPDF) to receive the prestigious ‘2021 Legislator of the Year Award,’” wrote NPDF's founder and executive director Joseph Occhipinti in notifying Smith of the selection. 

"You are being recognized for your outstanding legislative support on behalf of law enforcement,” said Occhipinti. “Also, your chairing numerous congressional hearings and being the prime sponsor of five major laws and seventeen resolutions in combating the scourge of human trafficking in the United States and internationally.”

Occhipinti, who is a retired federal agent, and his wife Angela, run the multi-faceted “Operation Kids” child safety program NPDF since 1995. The organization provides free medical and psychological services to law enforcement officials who have become disabled in the line of duty, as well as a legal defense program dedicated to protecting officers.

Accepting the award, Smith said he was honored to be chosen by the Foundation for Legislator of the Year but quickly pointed to the law enforcement personnel who protect us every day as deserving recognition.

“As an elected official—and the father of a law enforcement officer—words are inadequate to convey the gratitude and respect that I and the vast majority in the community have for you and your families,” Smith said in his remarks to the law enforcement community gathered at last week's NPDF Awards Dinner.

A longtime supporter of those in law enforcement, Smith has written many laws to combat crime and assist victims, including the Nation’s landmark Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. He also has authored four additional anti-trafficking laws; including International Megan’s Law to establish a system of notification to protect children from convicted pedophiles who may seek to travel to abuse children—which has resulted in nearly 6,000 denials of international travel by known pedophiles to date.