US Attorney Drew H. Wrigley, Recognizes National Police Week, North Dakota 2020

BISMARCK – In a grim reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers, U.S. Attorney Drew H. Wrigley has recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement during National Police Week.

According to the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities they swore to serve.

’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.’

’Law enforcement officers swear a solemn oath to the selfless pursuit of these ideals: public safety, community order, and justice,’ said United States Attorney Drew Wrigley, ’and we are profoundly grateful to each officer for the daily sacrifices they and their loved ones endure in the cause of preserving our communities and our nation.’

President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week in 1962 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 Virtual Annual Candlelight Vigil will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, and will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 PM (EDT).

The names of the fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Memorial will be read during the Virtual Annual Candlelight Vigil. The public can view the online event at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF.

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