During National Police Week, we pay tribute to all the law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Police Week has 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. This year’s remembrance is May 14-20. 

During Police Week, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC, to participate in several events honoring those who lost their lives in the line of duty. On Monday, I was honored to participate in the annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service. 

The memorial service began in 1982 as a small gathering in Senate Park in Washington, DC. It is now held in front of the U.S. Capitol and draws attendees from across the nation, recognizing those who have most recently made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as paying tribute to all the fallen. 

As we reflect on our officers’ sacrifices, we should also remember losing a law enforcement officer in the line of duty affects many people. Family, friends and coworkers share that burden, as does the community at large. I ask you to take a moment to honor those who have lost loved ones. 

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. 

As we wrap this week spent 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. 

The last few years have been challenging for those in law enforcement. In addition to the slow recovery from the global pandemic, 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. 

I am proud every day to see the way our officers work with our communities, approaching each in the way best suited to the areas we serve. I am additionally proud of our integrity, respect for those we serve and protect, and our accountability for our actions and decisions. 

I thank all of you for serving with honor and integrity, for your courage and dedication, and for your commitment to protecting America’s natural resources and communities.

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