FARGO — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - North Dakota), published as received.
FARGO— In recognition of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota joined with Department of Justice colleagues from across the country in honoring 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.”
Schneider, who attended the North Dakota Peace Officer Memorial Service at the North Dakota Capitol last Thursday in the leadup to National Police Week, echoed the Attorney General’s comments.
“Every day, our law enforcement partners put their lives on the line to keep people safe, uphold the rule of law, and ensure justice for victims,” Schneider said. “Last year was an especially difficult one for the law enforcement community in the District of North Dakota. As we recognize National Police Week, we hold the families and colleagues of Fargo Police Officer Jake Wallin and Mercer County Deputy Sheriff Paul Martin in our hearts. We will never forget them or what they did to protect our communities, and we will honor their legacy of service by supporting our partners as they work on the front lines of public safety.”
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/.
To learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org.
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