United States Attorney Carla Freedman Recognizes Police Week and Honors Fallen Law Enforcement Officers

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK –In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York Carla Freedman recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. 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.”

“Police Week provides time to reflect on the difficult, dangerous, and absolutely vital work that federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers do 24-hours a day, 365-days a year. They serve to make us safe and free despite the inherent risks they face when they report for duty,” said Carla Freedman, United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York. “This year we especially acknowledge their courage and sacrifice as we still grieve the deaths of Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen and Onondaga County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Michael Hoosock, who died on April 14^th exchanging fire with a gunman in Salina, New York. Their loss reminds us that upholding the law, protecting our communities, and seeking justice are not abstract ideals, but real things that the men and women of law enforcement dedicate themselves to every day and night.”

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. 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.