LEXINGTON, Ky. - U.S. Attorney Robert M. Duncan, Jr. recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers on the occasion of National Police Week, which is being observed Sunday, May 12 to Saturday, May 18, 2019.
In October 1962, Congress enacted a joint resolution, signed by the President, declaring May 15th as “National Peace Officers Memorial Day," to honor law enforcement officers killed or injured in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week, as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.
“During National Police Week, we celebrate the contributions of police officers from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe," said U.S. Attorney Duncan. “As the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, I want to salute the work of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, who often face uncertain and dangerous situations without question and without expectation of thanks. We need them to know they have our unwavering support and appreciation."
According to statistics reported to the FBI, 106 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents during 2018, including one officer in the Eastern District of Kentucky. On March 13, 2018, Pikeville Police Officer Scotty Hamilton was ambushed, shot, and killed during an investigation of a stolen vehicle. John R. Hall, 56, of Pikeville, pleaded guilty to murdering Officer Hamilton. Hall was sentenced to life in prison, without the possibility of parole.
“Officer Hamilton was committed to making Pikeville and the Commonwealth of Kentucky a better place," said U.S. Attorney Duncan. “Officer Hamilton was a valued colleague, working with the FBI and United States Attorney’s Office, and he tirelessly endeavored to protect the public and to pursue justice. He gave his life in service to his community and we can never forget Officer Hamilton’s ultimate sacrifice."
Comprehensive data tables about officers killed in line-of-duty incidents and brief narratives describing the fatal attacks are included in Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2018 https://ucr.fbi.gov/leoka/2018/, which was released this week by the FBI.
The names of all 106 fallen officers nationwide will be formally dedicated, on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 31st Annual Candlelight Vigil, on the evening of May 13, 2019. No tickets are required and everyone is welcome. For additional information, please call 202-737-3400.
The Candlelight Vigil is one of many commemorative events taking place in the nation’s capital during National Police Week 2019. For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.
In the Eastern District of Kentucky, events are planned to honor law enforcement officers in conjunction with National Police Week. On May 15, 2019, the Northern Kentucky Police Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., at the Northern Kentucky Police Memorial, Foot of the Suspension Bridge, Covington, KY. The Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation’s Memorial Ceremony is scheduled for May 23, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at the Department of Criminal Justice Training, on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University, in Richmond.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
