The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced on May 8 that it will observe National Police Week from May 10 to May 16, recognizing the work and sacrifices of law enforcement officers throughout Vermont.
National Police Week is held each year to honor federal, state, county, and local law enforcement officers who help keep communities safe. The office expressed gratitude for their service and highlighted the importance of acknowledging their contributions.
Jonathan A. Ophardt, First Assistant U.S. Attorney, said: “Police officers are vital guardians, essential to maintaining the thriving communities within which we live. Over 1,000 police officers, sheriff’s deputies, troopers, and agents work tirelessly across Vermont to prevent the victimization of the vulnerable and apprehend those who commit crime. These law enforcement officers face dangerous and challenging situations on a daily basis, and their commitment to serving and protecting our community is truly inspiring. I invite all Vermonters to honor the courageous law enforcement professionals who serve the public and call on good men and women to join them in the ranks of this noble profession.”
President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day in 1962 as part of National Police Week to remember fallen or disabled law enforcement personnel. In 2025 alone, data from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund show that 109 officers died in the line of duty.
Peace Officers Memorial Day falls annually on May 15 as a day specifically set aside for honoring those killed or disabled while serving. The names of all such officers are engraved at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C., with an annual Candlelight Vigil scheduled this year for May 13 where new names are read aloud—including U.S. Border Patrol Agent David “Chris” Maland from Coventry, Vermont.
The schedule for National Police Week events can be found on NLEOMF’s website. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont enforces federal laws and manages civil cases for the United States; it partners with agencies to boost public safety and safeguard civil rights while operating offices in Burlington and Rutland according to its official website.
