Our Duty is to
Protect You
Police officers are the ones that keep us safe and our community stable, each and every day in our lives. They hold fundamental roles in our society, they ensure law and order is adhered. They are the ones that take on long shifts in dangerous and unpredictable circumstances just to make our nation is a better and safer place. According to the latest statistics, there are 900,00 full-time police offices in the United State, making it roughly 295 policies per 100,000 residents. Although, they may not always be in sight, they would immediately be there if you are in an emergency. National Police Week (the third week of May) and National Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15) are proclaimed by President Kennedy in 1962 as a dedication to honor America’s law enforcement community. During this week, we must pause and honor all those who serve our communities, especially those who have offered their ultimate sacrifices.
In moments of danger, the first people that we turn to are police officers. Not only so, they are also the leaders in our communities, serving as mentors, teachers, life coach, friends, and neighbor. These are the unacknowledged heroes that sacrifice their time with their love ones and sometimes even their lives. As of 2016, 135 police officers died in the line of duty. That’s a 56% increase since the previous year and it is the highest number of fatalities on the job in the past five years. Nearly half the casualties were fatally shot, including 21 officers who killed in ambush attack fueled by anger over the police force.
During this day and week, communities across the United States will come together to honor and remember those law enforcement officers who made sacrifices, as well as friends, family, and fellow officers who were left behind. Many police departments across the county hold memorial ceremonies in front of their stations. In our local community, many would lower their flags in tribute to the fallen police officers. You can also participate in the Nation Police Week Marathon to help raise money to support the Officer Down Memorial Page in its mission to honor fallen officers. What all of us can do to show our appreciation to police is a simple a “thank you”.
Ben Wu