U.S. Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad recognizes service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement

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In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. The week will be observed Saturday, May 11 through Friday, May 17, 2024.

“As our country recognizes National Police Week, the Justice Department joins families and communities in remembering the members of the law enforcement community who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the public,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland.

“Policing is difficult and dangerous, yet time and time again, law enforcement officers answer the call, showing up for their communities when they are needed the most. Their devotion to duty is matched only by that of their loved ones who make daily sacrifices to support them. The Justice Department is committed to doing everything in our power to help provide our law enforcement partners with the resources they need to carry out their noble work on behalf of the public,” Garland said.

Haanstad agreed.

“Every day, brave men and women across the Eastern District of Wisconsin answer the call to serve and protect our communities as members of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement,” said Haanstad.

“Their task is difficult, dangerous, and critically important. My colleagues and I are incredibly grateful for the sacrifices made by these individuals and their loved ones. Throughout this week, we have been honoring men and women in Wisconsin who have been injured or lost their lives in the line of duty, both in public settings and through private remembrances focused on the specific circumstances of individual officers. We must always remember, honor, and support these officers and their families,” Haanstad added.

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.

On Monday, May 13, the names of more than 280 officers killed in the line of duty in 2024 who have been added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial were read during a Candlelight Vigil.

To view a recording of the livestream of this event, visit https://nleomf.org/memorial/programs/national-police-week-2024/candlelight-vigil/.