Since 1791, there have been 22,137 known line of duty deaths in America. In order to honor fallen police officers around the United States, in 1962 President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day. The week that May 15th falls has been designated as National Police Week. The main events are held in Washington D.C. and tens of thousands of people participate. However, events are also planned in cities all across the country.
There will be 117 names added to the list of fallen officers that died in the line of duty in 2014, which includes federal agents and officers in Puerto Rico. A total of 36 states lost at least one officer. Sadly, of the 117 officers to be added, 4 were in Alabama, 6 were in Florida, 2 in Mississippi and 3 in Tennessee.
On the website Officer Down Memorial Page (www.odmp.org) it contains a breakdown of each state and the agency within which the officer was a part of at the time of his death in the line of duty. For example, on this complete list of officers, there are 3 deputies with Baldwin County (Alabama) Sheriff Office, 1 with the Loxley Police Department, 6 deputies with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, 1 officer with Mobile Court Police Department and 1 officer with Orange Beach Police Department. Two of these deaths were caused by automobile accidents – the remainder by gunfire.
And in 2015, the numbers keep climbing. As of today’s date (May 12, 2015), 44 officers across America have been killed in 2015 in the line of duty. And then there is more – there have been 8 K9 Line of Duty Deaths in 2015.
No doubt this is a dangerous and sometimes thankless job that receives more bad publicity than good. Don’t be surprised if you see a “Sea of Blue” on your streets and highways on May 15 national police week. This is the time to step back, maybe salute and be respectful for the men, women and dogs that have vowed to protect and serve – losing members to the daily battles in the streets of America. There is no reason why all of us cannot take 1 day out of the year to be thankful, instead of resentful, for these officers. Salute!
