Police Week: FBI Honors Law Enforcement’s Sacrifices

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week. This year, as thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world gather in Washington, D.C. to honor colleagues who have made the ultimate sacrifice, the FBI joins with the rest of the country in paying tribute as well.

The week’s events began Sunday evening with a candlelight vigil held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The names of 362 fallen officers were read aloud, to be added to the nearly 20,000 other names permanently etched into the memorial’s walls. The event was underscored by a preliminary report issued today that showed 72 law enforcement officers in the U.S. and Puerto Rico were feloniously killed in the line of duty in 2011 and 50 were killed accidentally. The FBI will release final statistics this fall in the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program’s publication, Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2011.

“These men and women place the safety and security of others above their own,” Attorney General Eric Holder said in remarks delivered at Sunday’s ceremony. “When facing uncertain dangers and confronting unpredictable threats, they consistently respond with courage, selflessness, and strength. And every day—in communities nationwide—their contributions are felt and deeply appreciated.”

Today, FBI Director Robert S. Mueller issued a video message (below) recognizing officers for putting their lives on the line every day. “The FBI is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement colleagues as we continue our work together to protect our families and our communities,” he said.

Also today, Director Mueller presided over a memorial service at FBI Headquarters to honor those lost from the FBI family, including two agents who passed away last year. Among the attendees were former FBI Directors Louis Freeh, William Sessions, and William Webster. Mueller said fallen officers and agents leave behind an enduring legacy and through their sacrifice set a standard for which we are forever grateful. 

“Though their stories are different, they shared much in common,” Mueller said. “They shared a devotion to service—service to the FBI, service to their communities, and service to our country. They shared a commitment to justice and to the rule of law. And they shared remarkable bravery.”

Help Spread the Word: Bells Across America Will Ring To Honor Fallen Firefighters

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EMMITSBURG, MD – For the first time in the 30‐year history of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend the bells of the Memorial Chapel will ring on Sunday, October 16 to honor the fallen. As part of this tribute, fire departments and places of worship and other community organizations will join the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation for Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters, the first nationwide remembrance for firefighters who died in the line of duty.

The NFFF created the website, www.bellsacrossamerica.com which explains the program. A letter of invitation, frequently asked questions about the program and a response form are all available on the website. Fire department representatives are encouraged to work with their clergy and community leaders to decide what type of remembrance is best. Some suggestions include: ringing chapel bells, a moment of silence, a brief prayer, a hymn, tolling a ceremonial bell by members of the Fire Department, or any combination of these. The remembrance can occur at any time on Sunday, October 16.

“When a firefighter dies in the line of duty, the sadness resonates through an entire community. Through Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters, everyone across the country has the opportunity to pay tribute to the lives of these brave men and women who willingly take risks to protect and serve their communities,” said Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki, executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

In addition to Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters, departments and individuals can add the National Fallen Firefighters Tribute Widget to their website, blog or Facebook page. The widget is a small box that will appear on the site, continually scrolling the names of firefighters honored in Emmitsburg.

The photos of seven firefighters who will be honored are rotated each day for one week leading up to Memorial Weekend. Go to http://weekend.firehero.org/widget to copy and embed the widget.

The Fire Hero Network will be in full operation during Memorial Weekend. The Candlelight Service and Memorial Service will again be televised and sent around the world via satellite and the Internet. Departments can be a part of the network by streaming the events on your department's website. (http://weekend.firehero.org/media/live.html) The NFFF invites all departments to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to encourage local news media to do the same.

In addition, there will be a Fire Hero Radio webcast from Memorial Weekend and continuous updates on social media, including the Foundation's Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/NationalFallenFirefightersFoundation) and Twitter feed (https://twitter.com/NFFF_News)

For more information about the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, go to weekend.firehero.org.

About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF)

The United States Congress created the NFFF to lead a nationwide effort to remember America's fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the nonprofit foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor fallen fire heroes and assist their families and coworkers. The NFFF also works closely with the U.S. Fire Administration to help prevent and reduce line of duty deaths and injuries. For more information on the Foundation and its programs, contact us at 301-447-1365 or visit firehero.org.

Miami Office of Field Operations Hosts a Commemorative Event to Mark the 10th Anniversary of 9/11

Miami, Fla. – The Miami Field Office today hosted an event at the Miami Seaport to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Director of Field Operations Vernon Foret opened the event welcoming all in attendance and spoke to the audience about how the events of 9/11 changed our lives and the way that we carry out our mission. DFO Foret highlighted the accomplishments of DHS and all the component agencies, emphasizing partnerships and integration at the federal, state and local levels. DFO Foret also spoke about changes in technology, targeting and advance information in the passenger and cargo environments to improve security at our nation’s borders and beyond.

DFO Foret reminded attendees that the commemorative event not only served to mark the 10th anniversary of the attacks on our nation, but is a moment of remembering, reflecting and renewing our resolve to keep America safe.

DFO Foret was joined by Office of Air and Marine Director Randy Donnelson, and Office of Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Matthew Zetts in addressing the audience. Also in attendance were senior leaders from numerous DHS and CBP components including the United States Coast Guard, Transportation Security Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), CBP Internal Affairs, ICE Office of Professional Responsibility, Office of Chief Counsel, and the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Office. Miami-Dade Police Department representatives were also invited as special guests.

The event included a presentation of the colors by a DHS color guard, singing of the national anthem by CBP employees, the reciting of the pledge of allegiance, a moment of silence, the oath of office reaffirmation, and retrieval of colors by the DHS color guard.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Fallen Firefighters to Be Honored on October 16, 2011

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the U.S. Fire Administration will honor 89 firefighters who died in the line of duty at the 2011 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.  These firefighters will be featured in the National Fallen Firefighters Tribute Widget on July 12, 2011.  For more information on how you can include the tribute on your website, visit http://weekend.firehero.org/widget/

 

Emmitsburg, MD - The 30th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend will be held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg on October 15-16, 2011.  The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Fire Administration will honor 72 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2010.  A bronze plaque containing their names will be added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, located here on the National Fire Academy campus.  Seventeen firefighters who died in previous years will also be honored.  The plaques surrounding the Memorial, which was established in 1981, will contain the names of more than 3,500 firefighters.

Twenty-seven states experienced line-of-duty deaths in 2010.  Deaths resulted from vehicle accidents while en route to or returning from emergency calls, building collapses, natural disaster response, falling, drowning, heart attacks, and burns/smoke inhalation. Three multiple fatality incidents accounted for six deaths.  One multiple fatality occurred during a flashover at a structural fire; one incident resulted from an apparatus accident, and one involved a building collapse at a commercial structure fire.  Illinois had the nation’s greatest number of firefighter line-of-duty deaths in 2010 with 8, followed by New York and Pennsylvania with 7; and Kansas had 6.

"Firefighters are called upon to face danger on a daily basis," said Chairman of the NFFF Board of Directors, Chief Dennis Compton.  "In October, a grateful Nation will honor their dedication and remember their sacrifice.  The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend brings their loved ones and the fire service together to let their families, coworkers, and friends know that they will never be forgotten."

For more information about the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend visit Weekend.FireHero.org.

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Invites Media to Its 2011 Memorial Weekend Briefing on July 12

Contact: USFA Press Office

(301) 447-1853

July 11, 2011

On Tuesday July 12, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will host a briefing via teleconference for members of the media on activities planned for the 2011 Memorial Weekend, including the "Bells Across America" event.  The briefing will start at 2pm (Eastern) and conclude around 3pm.  This is the first of several planned briefings as the 2011 Memorial Service approaches.

Members of the media may access the briefing by calling:

1-800-320-4330 Conference Bridge PIN #: 425364

While on the line, please remember to mute your phone.  There will be an opportunity for questions and answers. 

Agenda

•           Welcome / Purpose of Today’s Call

•           Thank You and Foundation Update

•           Weekend Update with Announcement of Projects for 2011

•           Detail of Projects

o          Widget

o          Bells Across America

•           Wrap Up with Opportunities to Help Market

Due to limited conference line availability, this call is for members of the media only.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Tucson Sector Border Patrol Receives Memorials

In Honor of Fallen Tucson Sector Agents

Tucson, Arizona – Three granite and bronze plaques were donated by the J. Warren funeral home during a May 30 Memorial Day ceremony held at the funeral home in honor of three Border Patrol agents who died in the line of duty in Tucson Sector. 

The Tucson Sector Border Patrol and J. Warren Funeral Home collaborated to place bronze plaques at the sites where Border Patrol agents Roberto J. Duran (End of Watch May 6, 2002); George B. DeBates (End of Watch Dec. 19, 2004); and Michael V. Gallagher (End of Watch Sept. 2, 2010) died in the line of duty.

J. Warren Funeral Home Funeral Director Lori Himes collaborated with Whitehall Products who created and generously donated the granite and bronze plaques in honor of the three agents. Casa Grande Station agents donated American flags to post at each memorial site.

“The Tucson Sector Border Patrol is honored and grateful to have the support of the community in making these memorials a reality,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Richard Barlow.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Tucson Sector Border Patrol Receives Memorials

Tucson Sector Border Patrol Receives Memorials Honoring Fallen Agents

Tucson, Ariz. – Three granite and bronze plaques were donated by the J. Warren funeral home during a May 30th Memorial Day ceremony held at the funeral home in honor of three Border Patrol agents who died in the line of duty in Tucson Sector.

The Tucson Sector Border Patrol and J. Warren Funeral Home collaborated to place bronze plaques at the sites where Border Patrol agents Roberto J. Duran (End of Watch May 6, 2002), George B. DeBates (End of Watch Dec. 19, 2004) and Michael V. Gallagher (End of Watch Sept. 2, 2010) died in the line of duty.

J. Warren Funeral Home Funeral Director Lori Himes collaborated with Whitehall Products who created and generously donated the granite and bronze plaques in honor of the three agents. Casa Grande Station agents donated American flags to post at each memorial site.

Acting Chief Patrol Agent Richard Barlow said, “The Tucson Sector Border Patrol is honored and grateful to have the support of the community in making these memorials a reality.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Texas Gov. Highlights Law Enforcement Memorial

Marfa, Texas – “We lose sight of the bigger picture, ‘til we need you.”

So said Texas Gov. Rick Perry to a large gathering of law enforcement officers and others at the fourth annual Big Bend Area Law Enforcement Memorial, held June 1 in Alpine, Texas. The event was held on the campus of Sul Ross State University.

The memorial was hosted by the U.S. Border Patrol’s Marfa Sector and Chief Patrol Agent John J. Smietana, Jr., was the master of ceremonies.

Perry also said these law enforcement officers have “dedicated their lives to the safety of fellow Texans. The world they live in is risky. Their memory is carved in stone or carried in the hearts of their loved ones.”

Two names were added to the event’s Roll Call this year, including Border Patrol Agent Roberto J. Duran whose end of watch was March 6, 2002. The event memorializes those from West Texas who have died in the line of duty. Duran was from El Paso.

Perry was introduced by State Rep. Pete P. Gallego. Also speaking was Sul Ross State University President Ricardo Maestas.

Along with state and local law enforcement officers, CBP personnel from the Border Patrol and the Office of Field Operations' El Paso Field Office participated as members of the color guard and the honor guard.

The BBALEOA is collecting donations to build a permanent memorial.

Sul Ross State University is named after a former Texas county sheriff and Texas Ranger.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.