Henrico Police officer named National PAL Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Henrico County Police Officer Adam Marzullo recently was named the National Police Athletic/Activities League Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
Marzullo has served as a mentor in the Henrico Police Athletic League since July 2022, first while assigned to the department’s School Services Unit and continuing after his transfer to the Community Unit in 2025. He currently serves as the Henrico PAL Officer at Pinchbeck Elementary School and is the longest-tenured currently assigned officer in the Henrico County PAL.
“Officer Marzullo embodies the mission, values, and spirit of the Police Athletic League,” said Henrico PAL President Kenneth Ragland. “His sustained commitment, innovative programming, leadership among fellow officers, and ability to build trust between law enforcement and families make him exceptionally deserving of national recognition.”
Marzullo coordinates PAL initiatives across multiple police divisions, helping to build collaboration between law enforcement and the community. During the school year, he is present every Monday through Friday at PAL’s After School Program, during which he tutors and mentors students daily. More than half of the school's participating students make the honor roll.
Beyond academics, Marzullo works to build relationships with students through outdoor play, gym activities, field trips, and consistent daily engagement.
His presence has had a significant impact not only on the children, according to school officials, but also on parents, helping to build trust and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the families within the community.
“Working with PAL is one of the most meaningful, wonderful things I have done in my life,” said Marzullo. “Every day, I wake up energized, happy, and ready to make a real difference in the lives of people in my community. It is truly wonderful to see these young people grow and while I am honored to receive this award, the real thanks goes out to the kids in PAL who make this work so great.”
As the senior PAL officer, Marzullo leads a team of four officers and coordinates several of Henrico PAL’s largest annual initiatives, including its the annual bike giveaway (which provides more than 100 bicycles each year to children in need) and a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway, during which PAL distributes more than 500 turkeys and holiday meal boxes. Of those, 100 turkeys are disseminated directly by police officers to families throughout the community.
Marzullo’s passion for youth development also is evident in his innovative outdoor programming. He created the PAL Fishing Program and dedicated countless hours to reconstructing an old pond at the PAL facility. During this process, he personally donated funds to stock the pond with fish and secured partnerships with Dick’s Sporting Goods, Academy Sports, and the Virginia State University Environmental Program to provide equipment, resources, and environmental education.
Once the pond was restored, he developed the Open Pond Day event, teaching youngsters how to fish while also learning about aquatic life and conservation.
“Officer Marzullo is a hero, and I am honored to have someone so dedicated to the young people of Henrico County as a part of the PAL community,” said Stephen Coan, president and CEO of National PAL. “We always like to say that everyone needs a pal. Well, the young people of Henrico County certainly have a PAL in Adam, who has shown consistent leadership and compassion during his time working with our organization.”
In October 2023, Marzullo was named Henrico PAL Officer of the Year, and in 2024, he received the Leslie T. Sheppard Award for his leadership in organizing the PAL Fishing Workshop.
