As May rapidly approaches, it is time to look forward to Memorial Day weekend, summer breaks, vacations with the family and the Fourth of July. However, before we get there, we must always honor our fallen officers. We vow to never forget them and strive to continue to serve our community in their honor. To date this year, 92 officers have died in the line of duty. Last year, 602 officers died in the line of duty. 

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. Each year in Washington, D.C., thousands of officers from across our great nation attend memorial services in honor of our fallen brothers and sisters. This year, National Police Week begins on May 11 and ends on May 15. The scheduled events include:

May 11, 2022

• National Police K9 Memorial Service

May 11 and 12, 2022

• C.O.P.S. Survivors Arrivals

May 12, 2022

• Police Unity Tour Ride-In and Ceremony
• Memorial Tribute Concert
• Honor Guard Appreciation Reception (invitation only)
• Washington Nationals Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, 1:05 p.m.
• National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) Top Cops Dinner and Awards

May 13, 2022

• Candlelight Vigil

May 13–15, 2022

• Police Week Tent City

May 14, 2022

• C.O.P.S. Conference and Gala
• FOP Honor Guard Team Competition
• The 28th Annual Memorial March and Service, organized by the National Conference of Law Enforcement Emerald Societies (NCLEES)
• Washington Nationals Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, 7:05 p.m. 

May 15, 2022

• National Peace Officers Memorial
• Wreath Laying and Stand Watch for the Fallen
• Washington Nationals Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, 1:35 p.m.

This year, members of the Executive Board, Board of Directors and two members who had attended general membership meetings will be attending National Police Week. Steve Grammas and Dan Coyne will be hosting a special podcast episode from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. We will also livestream on our Facebook page from the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) Top Cops Dinner and Awards, where several of our members will be recognized for their bravery and heroism. We look forward to sharing videos and pictures with you from several of the moving events that celebrate and remember our fallen.