Three Western Pennsylvania Officers’ Names Added to National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC
PITTSBURGH - Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania Scott W. Brady recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers on the occasion of National Police Week.
"One officer death is too many," Attorney General Sessions said. "While we are inexpressibly grateful to have had a decrease in the number of officers killed in the line-of-duty last year, the number is still far too high. At the Department of Justice, we honor the memories of the fallen and we pray for their families. We are also following President Trump's Executive Orders to back the women and men in blue, to enhance law enforcement safety, and to reduce violent crime in America. Those priorities will help keep every American safe, including those who risk their lives for us. As always, we have their backs and they have our thanks."
"During Police Week, which is observed from Sunday, May 13 to Saturday, May 19, 2018, we recognize and celebrate the contributions of police officers, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment in keeping our communities safe," stated U.S. Attorney Brady. "In particular, May 15th marks National Peace Officers Memorial Day, a time to honor the memories and service of brave, selfless heroes who risked their own lives for the safety of others. They died doing what all law enforcement officers do every day - protecting and serving."
In October 1962, Congress passed and President Kennedy signed a joint resolution declaring May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.
The names of 360 law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty-including 129 who died in 2017-were formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 30th Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13, 2018.
Three Western Pennsylvania officers were added this year: New Kensington Police Officer Brian Shaw, who was shot and killed on the evening Nov. 17, 2017; Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael P. Stewart, who was killed in a crash in the early morning hours of July 14, 2017; and Westmoreland County Constable John Thomas Caslin, who was shot and killed in Youngstown, Ohio, on August 7, 1948.
The Candlelight Vigil is one of many commemorative events taking place in the nation’s capital during National Police Week 2018.
For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
