National Police Week Honors Fallen Law Enforcement Officers

This year, the names of 387 fallen officers are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. These officers include 133 who died in the line of duty during 2008, plus another 254 who died in previous years but had been lost to history until now.

The names of all 387 fallen officers nationwide will be formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the 21st Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13, 2009. The Candlelight Vigil is one of many commemorative events taking place in the nation’s capital during National Police Week 2009.

The national observance is organized by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), Concerns of Police Survivors, the Fraternal Order of Police and the Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary.

"There are some 900,000 active law enforcement officers in the United States today — men and women who are willing to put their own lives at great risk for the safety and protection of others," said Craig W. Floyd, Chairman and CEO of the NLEOMF. "National Police Week is a time for all Americans to pause and reflect on the incredible sacrifices these heroes make for us every day and every week of the year. We could not be the free and mostly safe and peaceful nation that we are without their dedication and service."

Businesses, residents and government agencies are reminded to lower their flags to half-staff on May 15, which is Peace Officers Memorial Day. At the request of the NLEOMF in 1994, Public Law 103-322 designates Peace Officers Memorial Day as one of only two days each year during which U.S. flags are to be flown at half staff (Memorial Day is the other).

More information about National Police Week.

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