U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery Recognizes National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day

In honor of National Police Week, which is observed this year from May 11 through May 17, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement.

“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 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.”

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 every year falls on May 15, 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.  The names included Detective Robert “Bobby” Carl Garten, an eight-year member of the Hartford Police Department, who was killed on September 6, 2023, when his patrol car was struck by a vehicle driven by an individual fleeing an attempted traffic enforcement stop.  To view a recording of the livestream of this event, visit https://nleomf.org/memorial/programs/national-police-week-2024/candlelight-vigil/.

“National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day serve as a sober reminder of the brave, dangerous, and critically important work members of law enforcement perform every day,” said U.S. Attorney Avery.  “At any hour of the day, officers respond to shootings, assaults, homicides, robberies, drug related violence, domestic violence, and other calls for help, and we are grateful for their service.  We should also take time to focus on the importance of officer wellness.  Law enforcement is an enormously stressful profession with pressures that can take a toll and have a cumulating effect over time.  As a result, far too many officers die by suicide each year.  We encourage officers to seek the help they need and have earned.  Please join me in honoring all officers who have died in service to their communities, and remember their families and loved ones who continue to endure their loss.”

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