Henry Repeating Arms founder and CEO Anthony Imperato has been named Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year by New York State Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Lodge 100. The honor was presented at the Lodge’s 22nd Annual Awards Dinner, held in Howard Beach, N.Y. The award recognizes his decades-long commitment to supporting the men and women of law enforcement, their families, departments and the charitable organizations that support them.
“I stand here to reaffirm something I have believed in my entire life—my support for law enforcement is unwavering, unconditional and grounded in deep respect,” Imperato said while receiving his award. “In a time when law enforcement is too often second-guessed, criticized, taken for granted and looked down upon, I want you to be absolutely clear—I stand with you, I support you, and I will continue to use my voice, my platform and my resources to advocate for a return to respecting our men and women in uniform.”
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Imperato began his career working in his family’s police equipment business before founding Henry Repeating Arms in 1996. Today, the company is one of America’s leading firearm manufacturers, with more than 700 people and 400,000 square feet of manufacturing space in Wisconsin.
Through its “Guns For Great Causes” program, Henry Repeating Arms has supported numerous law enforcement organizations nationwide, including the National Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, National Fallen Officers Foundation and many others. The program has also provided significant contributions to families of fallen officers and first responders, as well as pediatric healthcare initiatives.
In recognition of the occasion, Henry Repeating Arms donated two engraved .22 caliber rifles to be auctioned during the event, with proceeds benefiting the Lodge’s ongoing initiatives. Additionally, the company has committed to producing two one-of-one commemorative rifles for the lodge to utilize in future fundraising efforts.
Henry Repeating Arms Honors Four Heroes
Only a few days after receiving the award, Imperato was the person handing out honors on stage during the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas. It was the first public recognition of the quick response three Austin Police Department officers made to a crime scene with multiple victims in Austin’s entertainment district.
“When innocent people were under attack, these officers ran toward danger and helped bring a murderous rampage to an end,” Imperato said to a crowd of nearly one thousand attendees. “Their courage, professionalism and willingness to put themselves in harm’s way for complete strangers represents the very best of law enforcement and the very best of America.”
Also recognized during the presentation was Juan Lopez, who was honored for his life-saving actions in Pasadena, Texas. Lopez was later awarded the Carnegie Medal, one of the highest civilian honors in North America. It is reserved for those who risk themselves to an extraordinary degree to save the lives of others.
Imperato presented Lopez with a Henry Texas Tribute Edition rifle in recognition of his bravery. “Heroes do not always wear uniforms,” Imperato said. “Sometimes they are teachers, fathers and good men who refuse to stand by when innocent lives are in danger.”
The names of the Austin law enforcement officers were not disclosed due to concerns over their safety and that of their loved ones.
