U.S. Department of Justice Honors Two Federal Agents from Arizona During Police Week

U.S. Attorney’s Office honors fallen heroes Internal Revenue Service Special Agent Patrick Bauer and United States Border Patrol Agent Freddy Ortiz

PHOENIX, Ariz.— In honor of National Police Week, the Department of Justice will recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. The week will be observed Saturday, May 11 through Friday, May 17, 2024.

“As our country recognizes National Police Week, the Justice Department joins families and communities in remembering the members of the law enforcement community who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the public,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “Policing is difficult and dangerous, yet time and time again, law enforcement officers answer the call, showing up for their communities when they are needed the most. Their devotion to duty is matched only by that of their loved ones who make daily sacrifices to support them. The Justice Department is committed to doing everything in our power to help provide our law enforcement partners with the resources they need to carry out their noble work on behalf of the public.”

“We need to carry forward the memories and legacies of our fallen colleagues,” said Gary Restaino, the United States Attorney for the District of Arizona. “Border Patrol Agent Ortiz, a Navy veteran, was vigilant in protecting our border at the Douglas Station. Special Agent Bauer, a veteran of the Arizona Air National Guard, worked to dismantle command and control of criminal organizations throughout his career with Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations. Their names will shine eternally, etched in stone on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, and also here in Phoenix at the State Capitol.”

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which falls on May 15 every year, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe.

On Monday, May 13, the names of more than 280 officers killed in the line of duty in 2024 who have been added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial were read during a candlelight vigil. To view a recording of the livestream of this event, visit https://nleomf.org/memorial/programs/national-police-week-2024/candlelight-vigil/.

To learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org.
 

RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-065_Police Week

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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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