KC Reporter

In recognition of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore has paid tribute to the service and sacrifice of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers. The week-long commemoration will run from Saturday, May 11 through Friday, May 17, 2024.

"Each year, during National Police Week, we honor those officers and agents who made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in the line of duty in service to our community," said Moore. "National Police Week is also an opportunity to express our appreciation for the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers and agents. We recognize their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe."

Established in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy, National Police Week serves as a memorial for law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty while serving in federal, state, and local agencies. May 15 was declared as National Peace Officers Memorial Day as part of this annual commemoration.

"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," stated 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."

U.S. Attorney Moore recently attended a memorial service held by Kansas City's Police Department honoring its 120 fallen officers.

Another event tied to National Police Week was a ceremony adding names of fallen officers to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C. On Monday May 13th more than 280 names were added during a Candlelight Vigil; these were officers killed on duty during 2024.

Among those honored were five members from Missouri's law enforcement community: Charles Lee Burns of Camden County Sheriff’s Department, Mason Evans Griffith of Hermann Police Department, James Matthew Muhlbauer of Kansas City Police Department, and Kelly Bernard Rolando and Jason Scott Pulliam both from Missouri Department of Corrections.

For more information about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org.