U.S. Attorney Trent Shores Recognizes National Police Week and the Selfless Work Performed By Law Enforcement

TULSA, Okla.— U.S. Attorney Trent Shores recognizes and is thankful for the work our law enforcement partners perform ever day in communities throughout northeastern Oklahoma. During National Police Week—Sunday, May 10 through Saturday May 16, 2020—the contributions and selfless sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement will be honored.

Law enforcements’ dedication to Oklahoma’s communities continues, regardless of natural disasters or pandemics.  Recently sheriffs, chiefs, troopers, agents, marshals and officers joined together with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Oklahoma to create a public service announcement, letting the public know: We have your back and our work continues.

“There is no more noble profession than serving as a police officer,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The men and women who protect our communities each day have not just devoted their lives to public service, they’ve taken an oath to give their lives in order to ensure our safety. And they do so not only in the face of hostility from those who reject our nation’s commitment to the rule of law, but also in the face of evolving adversity – such as an unprecedented global health pandemic. This week, I ask all Americans to join me in saying ‘thank you’ to our nation’s federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. Their devotion and sacrifice to our peace and security will not be taken for granted.”

I salute the unrelenting commitment of our police officers to serve and protect our communities. Every day, the courageous men and women of America’s police forces put their lives on the line so that others may enjoy their unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.  “The sacrifice of our law enforcement officers does not go unnoticed. Police officers answer the call whenever and wherever they are needed, including in times of a public health crisis. In 2019 alone, 89 officers were killed in the line of duty, and this year, 92 law enforcement officers have died from coronavirus nationwide. I acknowledge their sacrifice; I acknowledge their deeply felt losses, and I mourn with their families.”

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices.  Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. 

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities they swore to serve.

Based on data collected and analyzed by the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019.

Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing most of the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2019.

The names of the fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Memorial will be read on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, during a Virtual Annual Candlelight Vigil. Because public events have been suspended as a result of COVID-19, the vigil will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 pm (EDT).  The online event can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF.