This week, the Sandersville Police Department (SPD) has been observing National Police Week – an annual opportunity for law enforcement members and citizens to gather and pay homage to the heroes who sacrificed their lives while in the line of duty.
Started in 1962 with a signed proclamation by President John F. Kennedy, National Police Week is held each year during the week on which May 15 falls.
Annually, over 30,000 individuals gather in Washington D.C. to participate in a number of planned events that honor the officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice, including a 5K Race, K-9 Memorial Service, Police Unity Tour, Honor Guard and Pipe Band Competitions, Survivors Conference, and Peace Officers’ Memorial Service.
The week is highlighted by the Annual Candlelight Vigil to honor the lives of officers lost in the previous year. Names are read aloud by high-ranking government officials while candles are lit for each of the fallen.
The first recorded American police death was in 1786. Since, more than 24,000 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty.
118 police officers lost their lives while on the job last year, an enormous 66 percent decrease from the amount in 2022.
The average age of a fallen officer is 40-years-old with an median 12 years of service. On average, officers leave behind two children.
Throughout history, Texas has lost 2,041 officers, which is more than any other state. Vermont has seen the fewest number of officer deaths with 26.
New York City Police Department leads all departments with officers killed in the line of duty. The NYPD has lost 1,090 police officers since record keeping began.
The deadliest day in law enforcement history was September 11, 2001, when 72 officers were killed responding to the terrorist attacks on America.
In 2023, the most common cause of officer death was gunshot wound at nearly 39 percent. Job-related illness and automobile crash ranked as second and third.
Over 79,000 assaults against law enforcement officers were recorded last year – the highest in a decade.
More than 800,000 sworn law enforcement officers currently serve in the United States, the most in history. 12 percent are female.