Asian American Law Enforcement Association

10/09/2026

🏆 2026 AALEA MALCOLM WOO LEADERSHIP AWARD 🏆

💙 Honoring a Pioneer. Celebrating Leadership. Inspiring Future Generations.

The Asian American Law Enforcement Association (AALEA) is proud to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 Malcolm Woo Leadership Award.

This prestigious award was established in honor and remembrance of Malcolm Woo, a trailblazer, respected community leader, and founding member of AALEA whose remarkable career helped pave the way for future generations of Asian American law enforcement professionals.

🌟 HONORING THE LEGACY OF MALCOLM WOO

Raised in Chicago's Chinatown, Malcolm Woo made history in 1969 when he became one of the first Asian Americans to join the Chicago Police Department.

Throughout nearly three decades of distinguished public service, he broke barriers and became the first Asian American Chicago police officer to achieve the rank of Sergeant.

As a Founding Member of AALEA, Malcolm Woo played an instrumental role in establishing a lasting foundation for Asian American law enforcement professionals. His dedication to preserving cultural heritage also extended to his contributions to the Chinese American Museum of Chicago.

Malcolm Woo passed away on July 8, 2024, but his extraordinary legacy of leadership, integrity, and community service continues to inspire others.

🏅 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

AALEA invites nominations of deserving individuals who exemplify the leadership, dedication, and commitment to service demonstrated by Malcolm Woo.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Nominees should:

✅ Demonstrate outstanding leadership, integrity, and commitment to public service.

✅ Have made meaningful contributions to the Asian American community and/or the law enforcement profession.

✅ Serve as a positive role model who strengthens relationships among law enforcement, community organizations, and the public.

📋 NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS

All nominations must include:

✅ A written nomination narrative in PDF format explaining why the nominee deserves the Malcolm Woo Leadership Award.

✅ A completed nomination form with full contact information for both the nominee and nominator.

✅ A biography and high-resolution photograph of the nominee.

📅 NOMINATION DEADLINE

🚨 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2026 🚨

📧 SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO:

[email protected]

🌐 www.aalea.org

🎖️ 2026 AALEA 43RD ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER

The award recipient will be recognized during AALEA's 43rd Annual Awards Dinner.

📅 Saturday, November 14, 2026

🕡 6:30 PM

📍 New Furama Restaurant

2828 S. Wentworth Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616

💙 PRESERVING A LEGACY. RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE. INSPIRING LEADERSHIP.

Through the Malcolm Woo Leadership Award, AALEA proudly celebrates individuals whose leadership, accomplishments, and dedication to community service reflect the values Malcolm Woo championed throughout his life.

We encourage law enforcement professionals, community organizations, and members of the public to nominate individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made a lasting difference.

His pioneering spirit will always be remembered. His leadership will continue to inspire. His legacy will live on through future generations.

Asian American Law Enforcement Association (AALEA)

Proudly Serving Law Enforcement and Our Communities Since 1983.

10/09/2026

🏆 2026 AALEA OFFICER XUMENG COMMUNITY APPRECIATION AWARD 🏆

💙 Honoring His Legacy. Recognizing Community Service. Inspiring Future Generations.

The Asian American Law Enforcement Association (AALEA) is proud to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 Officer XuMeng Community Appreciation Award.

This prestigious award was established in loving memory of Chicago Police Officer XuMeng (Star #19343), a dedicated officer, valued AALEA member, and devoted community servant whose commitment to public safety and service continues to inspire others.

End of Watch: June 9, 2020

Born in Beijing, China, Officer XuMeng graduated from the Chicago Police Academy and proudly served in the 24th District (Rogers Park).

During a challenging period of civil unrest, Officer XuMeng worked extended hours to help protect the lives and property of Chicago residents. His dedication to duty, compassion, and commitment to the community exemplified the values of public service.

Officer XuMeng is survived by his beloved wife and son. His legacy of service and dedication will always be remembered.

🌟 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

AALEA is seeking up to two deserving individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, leadership, and meaningful contributions to their communities.

This award recognizes individuals whose commitment to community service reflects the compassion, generosity, and spirit of service exemplified by Officer XuMeng.

Selected recipients will be honored at the:

🎖️ AALEA 43rd Annual Awards Dinner

📅 Saturday, November 14, 2026

🕡 6:30 PM

📍 New Furama Restaurant

2828 S. Wentworth Avenue

Chicago, IL 60616

📋 NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS

All nominations must include:

✅ A completed nomination form with full contact information for both the nominee and nominator.

✅ A written narrative in PDF format explaining why the nominee deserves recognition, highlighting their community involvement, accomplishments, and contributions.

✅ A short biography and photograph of the nominee.

✅ A separate nomination form for each individual being nominated.

📅 NOMINATION DEADLINE

🚨 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2026 🚨

📧 SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO:

[email protected]

🌐 www.aalea.org

💙 HONORING SERVICE. CELEBRATING COMMUNITY. PRESERVING A LEGACY.

Through this meaningful award, AALEA proudly honors Officer XuMeng’s memory by recognizing individuals who continue to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

We encourage community leaders, law enforcement professionals, organizations, and members of the public to nominate deserving individuals whose dedication and service have made a lasting impact.

Let us come together to recognize those who strengthen our communities and carry forward Officer XuMeng’s legacy of service.

His dedication will always be remembered. His legacy will continue through the service of others.

Asian American Law Enforcement Association (AALEA)

Proudly Serving Law Enforcement and Our Communities Since 1983.

10/09/2026

🎓🏆 2026 AALEA TROOPER CHONG SOO LIM MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD 🏆🎓

Honoring His Sacrifice. Preserving His Legacy. Investing in Future Generations.

The Asian American Law Enforcement Association (AALEA) is proud to announce the 2026 Trooper Chong Soo Lim Memorial Scholarship Award, established in honor and remembrance of Illinois State Police Trooper Chong Soo Lim, a dedicated law enforcement officer and valued AALEA member who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Born in South Korea, Trooper Lim graduated from the Illinois State Police Academy and served in District 3 in Chicago before transferring to the midnight shift in District 15, Oak Brook.

On June 5, 1995, Trooper Lim tragically lost his life while conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 90 near Hoffman Estates, Illinois, when his patrol vehicle was struck from behind, resulting in a collision and fire.

Trooper Lim was the first Asian law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty in Illinois. His courage, dedication, and sacrifice continue to inspire the law enforcement community and future generations.

🏆 2026 SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

AALEA will award four scholarships of $500 each, totaling $2,000, to qualified students:

• Two scholarships for eligible applicants from the community.

• Two scholarships for eligible applicants from families of current active AALEA members.

📋 ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

✅ Be of Asian descent.

✅ Be a high school junior or senior applying to an accredited college or university, or a full-time student enrolled in a degree-seeking program at a U.S.-accredited college or university.

✅ Maintain a minimum 3.00 GPA (B average) on a 4.00 scale.

✅ Submit an essay of at least 300 words on the topic:

“How to Improve Relationships Between Members of the Community and Law Enforcement Agencies.”

✅ Submit a short personal biography and a current color photograph.

✅ Provide a college acceptance letter (if applicable) and the most recent report card or academic transcript.

✅ Have never previously received the Trooper Chong Soo Lim Scholarship Award.

📅 APPLICATION DEADLINE

🚨 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2026 🚨

All applications and required supporting documents must be submitted by the deadline.

💙 HONORING A HERO. INSPIRING FUTURE LEADERS.

Through this scholarship, AALEA proudly honors Trooper Lim’s legacy while supporting educational opportunities, academic excellence, community involvement, and the development of future leaders.

His service will always be remembered. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. His legacy will live on through future generations.

🌐 www.aalea.org

Asian American Law Enforcement Association (AALEA)

Proudly Serving Law Enforcement and Our Communities Since 1983.

09/30/2026

Join us for a special evening celebrating service, leadership, and community at the Asian American Law Enforcement Association’s 43rd Annual Awards Dinner!

📅 Saturday, November 14, 2026
🕡 6:30 PM
📍 New Furama Restaurant – Chicago Chinatown

We are honored to welcome Patrick Sheehan, Police Officer & State Representative, as our Keynote Speaker, sharing his journey:
“From the Badge to the Statehouse”
A Journey of Service, Leadership & Community

We are also excited to have Vi Nguyen of NBC 5 Chicago serving as our Master of Ceremonies.

The evening will feature special awards and recognitions, community appreciation, scholarships, dinner, entertainment, raffle prizes, and an opportunity to recognize those who continue to make a positive difference in our communities.

Since 1983, AALEA has proudly brought together law enforcement professionals, community leaders, families, friends, and supporters in the spirit of unity, service, and community.

We hope you will join us for a memorable evening of fellowship, recognition, and celebration.
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.aalea.org

Follow AALEA on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, and YouTube for updates.

People • Partnerships • A Stronger Tomorrow
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09/27/2026

Dear AALEA Brothers and Sisters,

I wanted to share an upcoming law enforcement conference that some of you may be interested in attending.

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Breaching the Barricade is a one-day conference focused on leadership, officer wellness, resilience, and the challenges we face throughout a career in law enforcement.

Friday, October 2, 2026
Lerner Theatre
Elkhart, Indiana

This year, two of the presenters have strong Chicago Police connections: retired CPD Deputy Chief Tom Lemmer and CPD Officer Carlos Yanez Jr.

Tom has many years of experience in law enforcement leadership, training, and professional development. Carlos will share his powerful story of survival, recovery, and perseverance after being critically wounded in the line of duty.

I think both of their presentations will be meaningful to our members, and it would be great to have a good AALEA turnout there to support them and the other presenters.

If you are available, please take a look at the conference information and consider attending.

Thank you, everyone, and I hope to see some of you there.

Fraternally yours,

Henry Lai
President
Asian American Law Enforcement Association (AALEA)

09/11/2026

September 11, 2001 — We Will Never Forget

On behalf of the Asian American Law Enforcement Association (AALEA), I want to take a moment to remember and honor all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Twenty-five years later, we still remember the innocent victims, the brave law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, military personnel, and countless first responders who ran toward danger to help others.

Their courage, sacrifice, and selfless service continue to remind us what it means to serve our communities and stand together during the most difficult times.

Today, we honor their memory, support their families, and remain grateful to all who continue to serve and protect our communities every day.

May we never forget. May we always stand united. May God bless the United States of America.

Henry Lai
President
Asian American Law Enforcement Association (AALEA)

08/06/2026

Proud to represent Chicago as I begin my third term as President of AALEA at the 2026 NAPOA Leadership Training Symposium and Exposition in Los Angeles. It is an honor to stand alongside outstanding law enforcement professionals from across the nation as we learn, lead, and strengthen our communities together.

08/02/2026

07/30/2026

Please join us in congratulating AALEA Secretary, Deputy Chief Melissa Sacluti, on being selected to receive the prestigious Harry Lee Leadership Award from the National Asian Peace Officers Association.

This well-deserved honor recognizes Melissa’s outstanding leadership, dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence in the law enforcement profession. Her service and passion for helping others continue to make a meaningful impact and inspire those around her.

As President of AALEA, I am personally very proud of Melissa and grateful for her leadership, friendship, and continued dedication to our organization.

Melissa will be presented with the Harry Lee Leadership Award during the 2026 NAPOA Leadership Training Symposium and Exposition in Los Angeles.

On behalf of the entire Asian American Law Enforcement Association, we congratulate Melissa on this remarkable achievement. We are truly fortunate to have her as an important part of our AALEA family.

Congratulations, Melissa! We are all incredibly proud of you and look forward to celebrating this special honor with you in Los Angeles!