In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week.
This week, between 25,000 and 40,000 law enforcement officers and supporters from throughout the world converged on Washington, D.C., to participate in events honoring colleagues who have offered the ultimate sacrifice.
Events will include a candlelight vigil and The National Peace Officer Memorial Service on the West Front of the United States Capitol. These are sponsored by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) to help families and co-workers deal with grief, coping, and rebuilding lives.
The May 15 Memorial Service began with about 120 survivors and supporters of law enforcement. Now, it attracts tens of thousands from police departments nationwide and internationally as well.
National Police Week is an outstanding police–community alliance, symbolizing the unity needed for America now more than ever.
FBI Releases Preliminary Statistics
Coinciding with National Police Week, the FBI released the report “2014 Preliminary Statistics for Law Enforcement Officers Killed in the Line of Duty” on May 11.
These statistics paint an alarming picture of the dangers law enforcement officers encounter as they protect and serve our communities.
