The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund has recently released the roll call of names of 371 US law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. These names will be engraved this month and formally dedicated at the 31st annual Candlelight Vigil held on the National Mall, between 7th St and 12th St, on Monday, May 13, at 8:00 pm.
Included in this list are the names of 158 officers who were killed in the line of duty in 2018 and 213 officers who were killed in prior years but had been forgotten by time until the Memorial Fund’s research staff and a team of dedicated volunteers confirmed their record of law enforcement service. This year’s total reflects how the nation continues to lose officers to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, as 87 officers died of illnesses related to search and recovery efforts. The New York (NY) Police Department lost 66 of those brave officers.
When the addition of these 371 names is completed, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial will bear the names of 21,910 officers representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, US territories, federal law enforcement, and military police agencies—all who have made the ultimate sacrifice in our nation’s history.
The engraving process begins with a lengthy stencil and proofing procedure followed by meticulous engraving and curing processes. Once the engraving and curing process is finished, the covers are removed, and the panel is completed.
Each May 13, an estimated 30,000 people assemble for the annual Candlelight Vigil, a signature event of National Police Week when the names of these fallen officers are formally dedicated. Thanks to a partnership with Officer.com, the Vigil is streamed live online so that people across the country can witness this annual tribute to America’s law enforcement officers.
The names of the 371 officers added to the National Memorial this year can be found at www.LawMemorial.org/RollCall2019. For a complete schedule of National Police Week events in Washington, DC, visit www.LawMemorial.org/PoliceWeek.
