This week, we honor our law enforcement officers throughout the country who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who serve and protect our communities every day. National Police Week runs May 11-17. It’s been commemorated each year since 1962, when President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 National Peace Officer’s Memorial Day and the week surrounding it Police Week.

The last couple of years have been difficult and challenging for the brave officers who serve in the law enforcement profession. In addition to the COVID-19 crisis, events around the country, in both urban and rural communities, have highlighted the importance of building collaborative relationships between agencies with law enforcement responsibilities and the public we serve.

Our law enforcement personnel do great work every day. Chief Moore said of our officers, “We have more than 500 law enforcement officers and special agents in our agency—brave people who patrol and investigate crimes on 193 million acres. Their work is incredibly difficult, yet they go out to protect our visitors, employees, and national forests and grasslands every day. This has been especially true over the last two years, as they served and protected our citizens, employees and resources at the height of the pandemic when a record number of visitors converged on public lands. During Police Week in particular, I am honored to recognize their contributions to the Forest Service and the nation. Please join me in taking the time to thank every one of our officers for their dedicated service.”

As we spend this week reflecting on our officers’ sacrifices, as well as those law enforcement personnel in agencies nationwide, I hope that all law enforcement professionals and the public we serve continue to work together to ensure that the communities we all care about are safe.

In 2021, 617 brave law enforcement personnel lost their lives in the line of duty, and 439 of those deaths were related to COVID-19. As we reflect during this week and honor those we have lost, we should remember that these tragedies affect many people—family, friends, coworkers and countless others. I ask you to take a moment to honor them as well.

In our history, eight USDA Forest Service officers have been killed serving our agency: Jason Crisp, Christopher Upton, Kristine Fairbanks, Michael Staples, Stephen Bowman, Brent Jacobson, Harmon Schwoob and Rudolph E. Mellenthin. These eight officers and K-9 Maros are recognized at the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial in Washington, D.C. Information about each officer can be accessed online at U.S. Forest Service Fallen Officers.

This year’s events mark more of a return to normal: Events to honor our fallen officers will be held in person in Washington, D.C., including this year’s ceremony at the Department of Interior held May 11. The 34th annual candlelight vigil will be held May 13 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial will be held May 15, Peace Officer’s Memorial Day, following the memorial service at the U.S. Capitol.

Please take time this week to remember our fallen officers who gave their lives serving the public and protecting America’s natural resources. Also, please take time to think about all the police officers across our country and in our communities who continue to serve for the good of the people and stand in harm’s way every day. Thank you all for the work you do.