U.S. Attorney Honors San Diego and Imperial County Law Enforcement Officials during National Police Week

Kelly Thornton (619) 546-9726    

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – May 11, 2020

SAN DIEGO — In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement in San Diego and Imperial counties. The week will be observed Sunday, May 10, through Saturday, May 16, 2020.

“Our police officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect all of us,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “As both the U.S. Attorney and a crime victim, I am very grateful for their courage and sacrifice. The members of this profession not only face typical daily challenges, which can be harrowing, but now they face the added danger and stress of policing in the face of a global pandemic. This week, I ask all residents to join me in saying ‘thank you’ to our region’s federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officers for their devotion to our peace and security.”

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. National 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 in 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. As of May 7, 2020, the Fraternal Order of Police reports that 92 law enforcement officers have died from the Coronavirus nationwide.

Based on data collected and analyzed by the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 89 law enforcement officers nationwide were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2019.

Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2019, released by the FBI on May 4, 2020.

The names of all fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Memorial will be read on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, during a Virtual Annual Candlelight Vigil. Because public events have been suspended as a result of COVID-19, the vigil will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 p.m. EDT. To view this free online event, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.