U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray Honors Law Enforcement Officers And Pays Tribute To Fallen Heroes In Observance Of National Police Week

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – In observance of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray honors federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers for their courage and service, and pays tribute to the brave officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. The week will be observed 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.”

“During National Police Week we pay tribute to America’s federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officers, and we thank them for their service. Every day, the courageous men and women in law enforcement place the safety and security of their communities above their own, and do so with bravery and honor. This week is also a time to remember the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in the line of duty. To all the brave, fallen officers and their families, we offer our deepest gratitude and respect, and we salute your sacrifices and your legacy,” said Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

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. 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 analyzed by the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019.  Among those who made the ultimate sacrifice is Officer Harris Sheldon, of the Mooresville Police Department, who was killed on May 4, 2019, while conducting a traffic stop.

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 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 pm (EDT).  The online event can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF.