Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Montgomery, Alabama— In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. The week is being observed from Saturday, May 11 through Friday, May 17, 2024.
“National Police Week is an opportunity to recognize and thank the brave members of law enforcement who, at great risk to themselves, answer the call of duty every day to protect communities in our district,” stated United States Attorney Ross. “Already this year, too many officers have been killed in the line of duty, including one deputy here in the Middle District. The memory and legacy of Deputy Sheriff Jermyius Young from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office will never be forgotten. We take time this week to honor and recognize those we have lost and thank those who continue to serve.”
“As our country recognizes National Police Week, the Justice Department joins families and communities in remembering the members of the law enforcement community who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the public,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “Policing is difficult and dangerous, yet time and time again, law enforcement officers answer the call, showing up for their communities when they are needed the most. Their devotion to duty is matched only by that of their loved ones who make daily sacrifices to support them. The Justice Department is committed to doing everything in our power to help provide our law enforcement partners with the resources they need to carry out their noble work on behalf of the public.”
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.
According to 2023 statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, from 2021 to 2023, more officers were feloniously killed in the U.S. (194) than in any other consecutive three-year period in the past 20 years — 73 officers in 2021, 61 officers in 2022, and 60 officers in 2023. So far this year, 58 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty from various causes, including auto accidents. One of those 58 deaths occurred here in the Middle District of Alabama.
On Monday, May 13, the names of more than 280 officers killed in the line of duty in 2024 who have been added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial were read during a Candlelight Vigil. To view a recording of the livestream of this event, visit https://nleomf.org/memorial/programs/national-police-week-2024/candlelight-vigil/.
To learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org.