National Police Week 2012: Honoring and Remembering our Fallen Law Enforcement Officers

Clarksville, TN – In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726 that set aside May 15th as National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and the week in which May 15th falls as National Police Week. This year, National Police Week will run from Sunday, May 13th through Saturday, May 19th.

The law was later amended by the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1995, Public Law 103-322 signed by President Bill Clinton, directing that the flag of the United States be displayed at half-staff on all government buildings on May 15th each year as a tribute to law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

In tribute to American law enforcement officers and at the request of the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Public Law 103-322 designates May 15th National Peace Officers Memorial Day, which is one of only two days each year during which government agencies, businesses, and residents are to fly their U.S flags at half staff

Clarksville – Again this year, communities across the United States will come together during National Police Week—May 13th-19th – to honor and remember those law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the family members, friends and fellow officers they left behind.

This year, the names of 362 officers killed in the line of duty are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. These 362 officers include 162 officers who were killed during 2011, plus 199 officers who died in previous years but whose stories of sacrifice had been lost to history until now.

During National Police Week we show support by wearing Mourning Bands on our badges. These bands are worn for the entirety of Police Week.

All fallen law enforcement officers will be remembered during Police Week services held, May 15th, 2011, at 11:00am, at the Clarksville Police Department, 135 Commerce Street, Clarksville, TN.