National Peace Officers Memorial Day

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Currently, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The Memorial Service began in 1982 as a gathering in Senate Park of approximately 120 survivors and supporters of law enforcement. Decades later, the event, more commonly known as National Police Week, has grown to a series of events which attracts thousands of survivors and law enforcement officers to our Nation's Capital each year.

In the United States today, 950 thousand law enforcement officers put their lives on the line for our safety and protection. They serve with valor and distinction—and with great success. As a result, federal statistics show that violent and property crime rates in the United States are at historic lows, thanks in large measure to the dedicated service of the men and women of law enforcement.

But that protection comes at a price. Each year, there are approximately 60,000 assaults on law enforcement officers, resulting in nearly 16,000 injuries and death of those sworn to serve and protect. In the past decade, an average of 160 officers a year are been killed in the line of duty.

While in 2017 the number of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty dropped sharply—marking the second-lowest toll in more than 50 years—2018 saw a significant jump in law enforcement fatalities.

As of late December 2018, 144 officers have died in the line of duty according to data released by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), a nonprofit organization devoted to honoring officers and improving safety.

Let’s be sure to honor those who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice and those who continue selflessly to serve.  To our men and women who serve our community, we salute you! May 15, fly your flags at half-staff from sunrise to sunset to honor those men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.