Washington D.C. – The 60th anniversary of Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week is being observed today, May 15th.
On May 4th, 1963, President John F. Kennedy designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor police officers who have lost their lives or were disabled while on duty. Police Week, designated as the calendar week during which May 15th occurs, recognizes the service of law enforcement officers. The occasion is being observed with appropriate ceremonies across the country.
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, a nonprofit organization, 246 law enforcement officers died while on duty in 2022. The causes of the deaths include COVID-19, gunfire, vehicular assault, automobile crashes, and other duty-related incidents. The highest number of deaths occurred in January, followed by February and June. Texas had the highest number of fatalities, with 35 officers losing their lives while on duty. Male officers accounted for the majority of deaths, with 223 fatalities, and 23 female officers lost their lives while serving their communities.
The sacrifices of law enforcement officers are being remembered and honored on this 60th anniversary of Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week.
