Press Release
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont Recognizes National Police Week
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Vermont
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 observed from Sunday, May 12 through Saturday, May 18, 2024.
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. According to preliminary data compiled by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), as of December 31, 2023, 136 federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement officers died in the line-of-duty in 2023, including one police officer from Rutland, Vermont.
Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty and the U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages Vermonters and citizens across the country to remember and honor those who gave their lives so the rest of us can live peacefully.
U.S. Attorney Kerest stated, “Every day in Vermont, law enforcement officers face uncertain and dangerous situations, putting themselves in harm’s way to confront violence and protect our communities. This is difficult work and is vital to the safety of all Vermonters. My office commends and thanks each of them for their commitment and dedication to our Vermont communities. National Police Week also is a time to think about officer wellness. The pressures of responding to unknown circumstances take a toll on law enforcement officers and deserve attention. I encourage everyone to reach out to a police officer or your local police department this week and convey gratitude for their sacrifices.”
Each year, as stated on the NLEOMF’s website, hundreds of names of officers killed in the line of duty are engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C. These names are then read out loud during the annual Candlelight Vigil held on the National Mall, in Washington, D.C., to memorialize those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 2024 will mark the 36th Annual Candlelight Vigil and will be held on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 8:00 PM EDT. The schedule of National Police Week events is available on 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.
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Updated May 10, 2024
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Community Outreach
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