U.S. Attorney Scott Brady Salutes Law Enforcement during National Police Week

PITTSBURGH - In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady will recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state and local law enforcement. The week is being observed Sunday, May 10 through Saturday, May 16, 2020.

"National Police Week provides an opportunity to commemorate the courage, duty and extraordinary character of the men and women who protect and serve our communities every day, all day," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "It also marks a time to honor and pay tribute to those brave officers who have given their lives to ensure our safety and security. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities they swore to serve. We owe those in uniform so much, for they truly embody the best of America."

U.S. Attorney Brady coordinated an effort among federal law enforcement partners to record a Public Service Announcement thanking all levels of law enforcement, from municipal officers and sheriffs, to state police and federal investigators, for their service and sacrifice. The PSA also features Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and anchors from WPXI-TV, where the announcement will be airing. U.S. Attorney Brady also plans to visit police headquarters in several counties across the week to deliver bagels, coffee and pizza. On a somber note, USA Brady placed a wreath at the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, where he was joined by Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert, Zone 1 Commander Christopher Ragland and Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich. In addition, he will be delivering letters of recognition for the families of officers and first responders who died over the past year, including Pittsburgh Police Officer Calvin Hall.

"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."

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, 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). To register to view this free online event, please www.LawMemorial.org/webcast.

To learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org.