This week, tens of thousands of police officers, deputies, troopers and agents are gathering in our nation’s capital to commemorate Police Week and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This year, 556 names have been etched into the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall, a solemn reminder of the real dangers our nation’s law enforcement officers face every day.
Violent crime in our communities affects all of us, and the danger lands heavily on the shoulders of law enforcement officers who bravely run toward gunfire. Over the last decade, many police departments, sheriffs’ offices and federal law enforcement agencies have faced a sharp decline in recruitment and retention, all while the destructive capacity of weapons in the hands of violent criminals has grown. Fewer officers are facing greater gunfire.
The Officer Down Memorial Page reports that last year, 64 officers were killed by gunfire. So far this year, 19 officers have died. These brave men and women risk their lives every day. And they are increasingly outgunned by the weaponry they face.
