National Police Week

U.S. ATTORNEY WEISMAN RECOGNIZES NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

PROVIDENCE – U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Weisman recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers in Rhode Island and from across the country on the occasion of National Police Week, which is being observed through Saturday.

In October 1962, Congress enacted a joint resolution, which the President signed, declaring May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.

Earlier today, U.S. Attorney Weisman joined fellow members of law enforcement, current and retired, their families and friends, and community leaders in Cranston to honor and remember members of law enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

“Each and every day members of every community in Rhode Island leave their families and their homes to serve and to protect us, not knowing what the day or night will bring. They do so without question and without expectation of thanks,” commented United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman.

“During Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of police officers across the state and across the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment in keeping our communities safe. We especially remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. As United States Attorney for Rhode Island, I want to acknowledge all members of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement who often face uncertain and dangerous situations. We want them to know they have our unwavering support and appreciation.”

According to statistics reported to the FBI, 106 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2018.

Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2018 https://ucr.fbi.gov/leoka/2018/ released this week by the FBI.

The names of all 106 fallen officers nationwide was formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 31st Annual Candlelight Vigil on Monday evening. The Candlelight Vigil is one of many commemorative events taking place in the nation’s capital during National Police Week 2019.

For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org