In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. The week is being observed May 11 through May 17, 2024.
“During National Police Week, it’s important that we as a community take the time to recognize the law enforcement officers in the Western District of Louisiana who work tirelessly to keep our neighborhoods safe,” said United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “Many times, the job of policing is taken for granted by those of us in the community and the sacrifices the men and women who wear the law enforcement badge and uniform oftentimes go unnoticed. To those who have taken an oath to serve and protect, we honor and thank you for your service to these communities throughout our district. We stand with you and pledge to continue to join with you in fighting this battle for justice in our country and on our streets.”
“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.”
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. Here in the Western District of Louisiana, we also solemnly commemorate Ville Platte Deputy City Marshal Barry Giglio who tragically died in the line of duty on July 31, 2023. Deputy Marshal Giglio was tragically killed while assisting in the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Ville Platte, Louisiana.
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.
In 2023, there were 136 federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement officers that died in the line of duty. Of those officers who died, 47 were shot and killed in the line of duty; 37 officers died due to traffic-related crashes; and 52 officers died of other causes, including fire-related incidents and medical-related illnesses or events suffered while in the performance of their official duties. Eight of those officers who died in the line of duty were from Louisiana.
On Monday, May 13, 2024, 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 at 8:00 p.m. EDT. To view a recording of the livestream of this event, visit https://nleomf.org/memorial/programs/national-police-week-2024/candlelight-vigil/.
Original source can be found here.