May 15th is National Peace Officers Memorial Day, part of National Police Week. Throughout this week we take time to honor those men and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty. An estimated 20,000 officers, family and survivors will attend the candlelight vigil and ceremonies this week at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Many more will honor their fallen in personal ceremonies all around the country.
Established by a joint Congressional resolution in 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week that it falls as National Police Week. Dedicated in 1991, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C. consists of two 304-foot blue-gray marble walls with the names of 21,183 federal, state and local law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Beginning with Sheriff Cornelius Hogeboom, the first known officer’s death in 1791 through today, new names are added to the memorial each spring.
During the past 10 years, an average of 151 officers have been killed in the line of duty, a rate of about one every 63 hours. As of May 14th, 2017, 49 officers had lost their lives this year, as compared to 36 in the same time in 2016.
Where most people’s natural, and justifiable instinct is to run from the sound of gunfire, the law enforcement officer’s job is to run towards it. Where others seek shelter, the officer goes out to put an end to the danger. Where there is no one else to help, the officer is always there.
Those who enter this profession do so for a variety of reasons, but all commit to the difficult job of serving their community. They work shifts around the clock, in all weather conditions, in all situations; dealing with the worst our society has to offer, with ever-increasing public and media scrutiny, where their life is literally on the line every single day. Overwhelmingly, they do so with pride, integrity and honor.
Many current and former officers like myself know one or more of the names engraved on those memorial walls. We remember them not only for their service and sacrifice, but for the individuals they were. They were our friends and family. They were children, spouses, parents and grandparents themselves. They were the smile, the helping hand and the kind word when it was needed the most. They were much more than someone wearing a badge; they were a part of our lives.
This week we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of safety, protection and justice of others. We also pray for those who continue to live a life of service in their communities, and thank them for their ongoing commitment.
You can learn more about the Memorial and ceremonies this week at the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Fund at: http://www.nleomf.org.
Bob
#oddstuffing, #nleomf, #nationalpeaceofficersmemorial, #nationalpoliceweek, #bluelivesmatter, #mewe, #medium, #instagram, #oddstuffing.com