First Hallmark Mortgage to help country's bravest finance homes.

First Hallmark Mortgage Corporation, a mortgage lending institution based in Somerset, N.J., has been named the "lender of choice" by the National Police Defense Foundation. As a result of the one-year agreement with NPDF, First Hallmark will serve as the exclusive lender for mortgages, refinancing and debt consolidation and will waive its application fee of $349 for members of NPDF and law enforcement personnel living in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Florida.

"First Hallmark is honored to be affiliated with the National Police Defense Foundation and the law enforcement individuals that play such a vital role in our communities," said Bruno Viscariello, president of First Hallmark. "We rake great pride in helping make homeownership more affordable for clients. After we accomplish that, we continue to advise them in setting financial goals. We look forward to forming ongoing relationships with NPDF members to aid them in planning solid financial futures."

NPDF is a congressionally recognized, not-for-profit organization that provides support services to the national law enforcement community. Its membership of 68,000 includes federal agents, sheriffs, police chiefs and state troopers, as well as national and local law enforcement within the United States and 12 other countries.

"We partnered with First Hallmark because of its reputation for credibility and integrity," said Joseph Occhipinti, executive director and founder of the 10-year-old NPDF, which is headquartered in Marlboro, N.J. "Our agreement with First Hallmark translates into greater financial stability for our members."

Founded in 1999, First Hallmark offers a wide array of services, including mortgages for home purchases with fixed and adjustable rates, FHA loans, debt consolidation, the restructuring of existing loans and second mortgages. The company has built its success by acting as a financing resource for clients with triple-A ratings to those with less than perfect credit.

"Our mortgage programs will make the purchase of a new home, refinancing or debt consolidation a reality for many of NPDF's members," said Viscariello. "If a homeowner is looking for a refinancing or debt consolidation product, we can often lend as much as 90% of the value of an owner's home, usually at 2% above the current conventional rate. If they keep current with payments on their original First Hallmark mortgage for one year, we are able to give them a better interest rate."

NPDF administers several public safety initiatives in addition to its member services. NPDF's Safe Cop Program posts a $10,000 reward for public information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone who shoots a police officer in the United States. As part of this program, NPDF is establishing a memorial for the police officers who were lost in the September 11th attacks.

First Hallmark donated $10,000 toward the September 11th Police Memorial, which will be placed at the proposed site of PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, N.J. in September of 2005. NPDF commissioned world-renowned sculptor Franco Minervini to create the sculpture.