U.S. Attorney Romero Recognizes Police Week, Speaking at Federal Wreath-Laying Ceremony and Co-Hosting Trauma Training Session for Law Enforcement

PHILADELPHIA — In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero is recognizing the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement.

This year, National Police Week runs from Saturday, May 11, through Friday, May 17, with today, May 15, designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day.

On Tuesday, May 14, U.S. Attorney Romero attended and spoke at a wreath-laying ceremony where federal partners honored fallen law enforcement officers. Today, her office is co-hosting a webinar for law enforcement professionals on preventing and navigating secondary traumatic stress, which can result from difficult situations frequently encountered on the job.

“Working as a sworn law enforcement officer means stepping up, and showing up, in situations that often walk a tightrope between difficult and dangerous. It means constantly facing the unknown, and putting your life on the line for the public good,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Our nation’s fallen officers, who chose to pursue public service at almost unbearable cost, deserve our eternal remembrance and wholehearted thanks.”

In 1962, President 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.

“As our country recognizes National Police Week, the Justice Department joins families and communities in remembering the members of the law enforcement community who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the public,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “Policing is difficult and dangerous, yet time and time again, law enforcement officers answer the call, showing up for their communities when they are needed the most.  Their devotion to duty is matched only by that of their loved ones who make daily sacrifices to support them. The Justice Department is committed to doing everything in our power to help provide our law enforcement partners with the resources they need to carry out their noble work on behalf of the public.”

On Monday, May 13, the names of more than 280 officers killed in the line of duty in 2024 who have been added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial were read during a Candlelight Vigil. To view a recording of the livestream of this event, visit https://nleomf.org/memorial/programs/national-police-week-2024/candlelight-vigil/.

To learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org.