Bert Eyler
President
Bert Eyler, President
Bert Eyler has dedicated his life to serving our country. He joined the US Marine Corp in 1988-1992 and as a Marine Embassy Guard where he got to see the world and realized that America was unique and the best country on earth. Then he decided to protect and serve once again, and after moving from Sheriff’s Department to Police Department, he settled down at the Prince William County, Virginia, Police Department in 1998. As of July 1, 2020, Bert Eyler retired holding the Rank of Master Police Officer. Bert had an exemplary record and was awarded two departmental Awards for Valor, a Virginia Public Safety Foundation Award for Valor and a Certificate of Valor from the Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce. His awards stem from his bravery in the take down of a person armed with an AK7 who became a threat to the community.
Since 2014, Bert had held one of the most rewarding but stress filled positions on the Prince William County Police Department as the School Resource Officer at a local high school. On his off hours he dedicates his time to his wife and three children and also serves as Vice President/Treasurer of National Center for Police Defense, Inc. a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping police officers from the very system that they protect and serve, when it turns against them.
James J. Fotis
Vice President/Treasurer
James Fotis, Vice President/Treasurer
James J. Fotis has a long career of experience as an informed, decisive leader and an analytical, proactive problem solver. He served more than twenty-three years as the Executive Director of the Law Enforcement Alliance of America (LEAA); an association of law enforcement officers, crime victims and concerned citizens. During his tenure, LEAA became a serious influence in the law enforcement community, on Capitol Hill, and within the Executive Branch of government. Mr. Fotis appeared on hundreds of TV and radio programs as a commentator on sensitive issues ranging from gun control to international terrorism. James J. Fotis was the impetus behind “the Police Officers Safety Act (more commonly known as HR218)”, which he wrote, in 1993 and had sponsored by Representatives, Duke Cunningham (R, California) and Ralph Hall (D, Texas). HR 218 was signed into law by President Bush in July, 2004.
After leaving LEAA on a full time basis, he became a consultant with Federal Legislative Associates, representing emerging countries from Central Asia. Mr. Fotis served for fourteen years as a Police Officer for the Lynbrook, New York Police Department, retiring as the highest decorated officer in department’s history. He earned the equivalent of EMT training and became an expert in crisis management and intervention. Mr. Fotis holds a Master’s Degree in Professional Studies accentuated by Industrial Psychology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioural Science/ Criminal Justice. He served three years in the military, leaving the Army as a disabled Veteran.