U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida issued the following announcement on May 12.
In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Lawrence Keefe of the Northern District of Florida will join in recognizing the service and sacrifice of federal, state, and local law enforcement. The weeklong observation runs from Sunday, May 10, through Saturday, May 16.
“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.”
“We are blessed that no law enforcement officers lost their lives in the line of duty within the Northern District of Florida last year, but that does not diminish our heartache for those killed elsewhere and our immeasurable respect and appreciation for the brave men and women sworn to serve and protect every day,” said U.S. Attorney Keefe. “Law enforcement is at the heart of our peaceful society, and we hold them in the highest regard, this week and every week.”
In 1962, President John F. 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 Program, a total of 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019.
Original source can be found here.