U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price recognizes police week

HONOLULU, Hawaii – In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price would like to recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. This year, National Police Week is Sunday, May 10 through Saturday, May 16, 2020.

"There is no more noble profession than serving as a police officer," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "The men and women who protect our communities each day have not just devoted their lives to public service, they’ve taken an oath to give their lives in order to ensure our safety. And they do so not only in the face of hostility from those who reject our nation’s commitment to the rule of law, but also in the face of evolving adversity – such as an unprecedented global health pandemic. This week, I ask all Americans to join me in saying ‘thank you’ to our nation’s federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. Their devotion and sacrifice to our peace and security will not be taken for granted."

"Our law enforcement officers work day-in and day-out to protect the public and, in doing so, sacrifice their own safety and the well-being of their family members and loved ones. These heroes—who daily put the community’s interests above their own—deserve our highest praise for their bravery, professionalism, and commitment to the community. In the Aloha State, those who don the uniform and protect us are truly among the finest in our midst. I echo the Attorney General’s request that all Americans—and, in particular, those in our communities in Hawaii—find an opportunity this week to thank our nation’s law enforcement officers," said U.S. Attorney Price.

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 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.  This year the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored law enforcement officers' courage and unwavering devotion to the communities they swore to serve.

Based on data collected and analzed by the FBI's Law Enforcment Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019.

Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing most of the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2019.

The names of the fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Memorial were recognized on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, during a Virtual Annual Candlelight Vigil.  The online event may be viewd at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF.

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