U.S. Attorney Cunha Recognizes National Police Week

 PROVIDENCE - In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha joins Attorney General Merrick Garland and his fellow U.S. Attorneys across the nation this week recognizing 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 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.”

“It’s hard to overstate the contribution that police departments and police officers across Rhode Island make to keeping communities across the Ocean State safe and secure,” remarked U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. “Our partnerships with our state and local police colleagues are vital to our shared mission to do justice, and I salute all of the men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line in the course of this vital work, day in and day out.”

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. United States Attorney Cunha is attending events hosted by local and state law enforcement in multiple communities in honor of the brave women and men who have given their lives in the service of their community.

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.

###