District of Vermont’s U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes National Police Week

Burlington, Vermont -  In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, county, and local law enforcement officers in Vermont. This year, the week is commemorated from Tuesday, May 9 through Saturday, May 20, 2023. 

U.S. Attorney Kerest stated, “Every day in Vermont, our federal, state, county, and local officers show up and run towards danger to keep our communities safe. This is difficult work and is vital to the safety of all Vermonters. My office commends and thanks each of them for their dedication to our Vermont communities. In addition, we should also focus on officer wellness. The pressures of responding to unknown circumstances take a toll on law enforcement officers and deserve attention. I encourage everyone to get in touch with a police officer this week and convey gratitude for their sacrifices.”  

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. This week, we encourage Vermonters and citizens across the country to remember and honor those who gave their lives so the rest of us can live peacefully.

Based on data from the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), the names of 556 officers killed in the line of duty are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.  The 556 officers include 224 officers who were killed during 2022, plus 332 officers who died in previous years, but whose stories of sacrifice had been lost to history until now. The names of all 556 fallen officers nationwide will be formally dedicated during the 35th Annual Candlelight Vigil to be held on the National Mall in Washington, DC, at 8:00 pm EDT on May 13, 2023. For more information, go to candlelight vigil. The schedule of National Police Week events is available on the NLEOMF’s website.

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Reference to any specific organization or service(s) offered by an organization is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Department of Justice.