ROWLEY — Chief Scott A. Dumas reports that the Rowley Police Department will honor fallen officers from near and far during National Police Week.
Created by President John F. Kennedy, National Police Week commemorates Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15. Every year, between 25,000-40,000 law enforcement officers from around the world gather in Washington, D.C. to pay their respects during a number of planned events.
On May 15, nationwide organizers will hold the 38th annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service at West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. to honor members of law enforcement who were killed in the line of duty.
The nation’s flags, including the one at the Rowley Police Department, will fly at half-staff that day to honor their fallen brother and sister officers.
Earlier on the week, on May 13, police officers and members of the public gathered for the 31st candlelight vigil, and today, participants attended the National Police Survivors Conference. Sponsored by Concerns of Police Survivors, family and co-worker survivors have opportunities to receive support to understanding grief, prepare for trial, learn new coping skills and build connections with others.
“During this week, we remember all the men and women who have dedicated and lost their lives protecting the communities they serve,” Chief Dumas said. “We remember these heroes for the commitment they made and mourn the mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and friends who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
A total of 163 officers were killed in the line of duty in 2018. Forty-two have been killed so far this year. Rowley Police remember former Chief Robert Hardy, who died in 1973 after a vehicle on Route 1 crossed the double yellow line and struck his patrol car head-on and officer Leroy H. Haynes, who died in 1981 after suffering a heart attack following a confrontation with a prisoner.
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