Communities across the United States came together during National Police Week, May 15-21, to honor and remember those law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the family members, friends and fellow officers they left behind.
This year, the names of 394 officers killed in the line of duty are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. These 394 officers include 143 officers who were killed during 2016, plus 251 officers who died in previous years but whose stories of sacrifice had been lost to history until now.
The names of all 394 fallen officers nationwide was formally dedicated during the 29 Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13 held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Founded in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is dedicated to honoring and remembering the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers in the United States.
Ventura Assistant Police Chief Darin Schindler commented, “Police Officers in the City of Ventura, the State of California and throughout the nation put their lives on the line every day for their communities. We are fortunate that these brave men and women have chosen to dedicate their lives to the safety of others.”
In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. The week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
A proclamation in honor of Police Week was presented at the May 15 Ventura City Council Meeting.
For more information about National Police Week, please visit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund online at www.LawMemorial.org/policeweek.
