TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA - In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Lawrence Keefe of the
Northern District of Florida will join in recognizing the service and sacrifice of federal, state, and
local law enforcement. The weeklong observation runs from Sunday, May 10, through Saturday, May 16.
“There is no more noble profession than serving as a police officer," said Attorney General William
P. Barr. “The men and women who protect our communities each day have not just devoted their lives
to public service; they’ve taken an oath to give their lives in order to ensure our safety. And
they do so not only in the face of hostility from those who reject our nation’s commitment to the
rule of law, but also in the face of evolving adversity - such as an unprecedented global health
pandemic. This week, I ask all Americans to join me in saying ‘thank you’ to our nation’s federal,
state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. Their devotion and sacrifice to our peace and
security will not be taken for granted."
“We are blessed that no law enforcement officers lost their lives in the line of duty within the
Northern District of Florida last year, but that does not diminish our heartache for those killed
elsewhere and our immeasurable respect and appreciation for the brave men and women sworn to serve
and protect every day," said U.S. Attorney Keefe. “Law enforcement is at the heart of our peaceful
society, and we hold them in the highest regard, this week and every week."
In 1962, President John F. 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. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored law enforcement
officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities they swore to serve.
Based on data collected and analyzed by the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted
Program, a total of 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019.
Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing most of the fatal
attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2019.
The names of the fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law
Enforcement Memorial will be read on Wednesday, May 13, during a Virtual Annual Candlelight Vigil.
Because public events have been suspended as a result of COVID-19, the vigil will be livestreamed
to the public at 8:00 pm (EDT). To register to view this free online event, please
www.LawMemorial.org
To learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit
www.policeweek.org.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that
serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access
available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern
District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office,
Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
