National Police Week is a time of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude for law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as those who continue to serve. Its origins trace back more than 60 years and have grown into one of the most significant annual observances by law enforcement.

 

• 1962 – Presidential Proclamation: President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726, designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as Police Week. This marked the beginning of a national tradition of honoring our nationals fallen officers.

• 1982 – First Memorial Service: The first official Peace Officers’ Memorial Service was held in Washington, D.C. It was a modest gathering at Senate Park hosted by the Fraternal Order of Police and it set the foundation for the National Peace Officers Memorial Service that continues today.

• 1984 –  The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) was created to establish a permanent memorial for fallen officers. That same year, Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) was founded, providing crucial support and community for the families and colleagues left behind.

• 1991 –  The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C., with the names of over 12,000 fallen officers engraved. Today, the wall bears the names of more than 24,000 officers who gave their lives in service.

• Today – National Police Week now draws tens of thousands of officers, survivors, and supporters to Washington, D.C., each May.  Signature events include the Candlelight Vigil, hosted by NLEOMF, and the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol host by the Fraternal Order of Police. Communities across the country also hold their own observances, ensuring that the sacrifices of law enforcement are never forgotten.

 

National Police Week continues to remind us of the courage, service, and sacrifice behind the badge—and the enduring legacy of those who gave their lives in protection of others.