Latest news with #NationalPeaceOfficersMemorialDay
Chicago Tribune
17-05-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Elgin police remember the 10 Illinois law enforcement officers killed in line of duty in last year
Debbie Wiseman's brother, Iowa State Trooper Mark Toney, died in the line of duty in September 2011. As the years have passed, Wiseman worries his sacrifice will be forgotten. She wants to make sure that doesn't happen for her brother or any other officer killed while protecting the lives of others, she said during her keynote speech Thursday at the Elgin Police Department's 2025 Memorial Service, held at The Hemmens Cultural Center on National Peace Officers Memorial Day. 'He is never forgotten. Neither are the other fallen officers,' said Wiseman, who also spoke at last year's service. The memorial day was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. It always falls within National Police Week, which this year was May 11-17. During the ceremony, Elgin police recognized the 10 Illinois law enforcement officers who died in 2024. They were: There were 165 on-duty police deaths nationwide last year, Police Chief Ana Lalley said at the event. This year, 25 have been killed as of mid-May, she said. Wiseman's brother died 13 years ago. He was the youngest of four children from a military family. 'He always wanted to be a cop,' Wiseman said. With 24 years served, Toney was looking forward to retirement when he died in a car crash during a high-speed chase. Wiseman had talked to him right before his shift started, she said. After his death, Wiseman's family received a lot of support from other officers, she said. 'I lost a brother, but I gained an entire family,' she said. Wiseman is past president of the Illinois Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), an organization that assists families of fallen police officers and supports officers while on the job. Families know how difficult it is to be a police officer in these times, she said. 'We see you. We appreciate you,' Wiseman said. Police Chaplain Al Keating offered a prayer for Elgin officers and all police officers. The meaning of the memorial day is to 'honor the courageous who selflessly answered the call to protect and serve, often (giving) the ultimate cost of their own lives,' Keating said. 'Lord, we thank you for these remarkable individuals, for their unwavering commitment to justice, for their courage in the face of danger and for their willingness to place the safety of others above their own. 'Let their stories of bravery ignite passion within the hearts of those who continue to carry the torch of justice forward,' Keating said.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Police department honors their fallen officers in the field
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— May 15 marks National Peace Officers Memorial Day, a day to honor law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities. In Scranton, police held a solemn ceremony to remember their own, and to recognize those who've survived tragic encounters. 28/22 News reporter Kathryn O'Leary was there for the emotional tribute. Jonathan Balester's 14-year-old murder case still unsolved The Scranton Police Department honored the 13 officers they've lost in the line of duty since 1889. The most recent, Patrolman John Wilding in 2015. 'I visited national law enforcement memorial, I spent a couple moments on a piece of granite next to it, the john wildings name inscribed on it. It doesn't feel like it's been 10 years since John Wilding passed, seems like yesterday,' expressed Chief Thomas Carroll, Scranton Police Department. National Peace Officers Memorial Day, established by President Kennedy in 1962, honors those who've died or been disabled in the line of duty. Across the country, flags flew at half-staff. 'We all share the same sacrifices, no matter the size of the agency,' stated Chief Thomas Carroll. Chief Carroll reflected on his recent trip to Washington D.C where three SPD detectives, including Kyle Gilmartin, who survived being shot in the head early last year, were honored with national awards. ''They are winners of the honorable mention awards. They were recognized for their courage and their sacrifice, last January, 2024,' said Chief Carroll. In 2024 alone, 147 officers were killed in the line of duty across the country, the average age being 42. Most left behind spouses, children, families, and partners in the fight. 'We have the duty to continue our mission regardless of the threat, regardless of the pain, regardless of the challenges of the 21st century, what I will say to you, SPD, specific, stay the course. You are making a difference. Let's remember our fallen,' voiced Chief Carroll. The memorial for the fallen Scranton police officers can be found at their headquarters on South Washington Avenue. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Danville Police hold memorial for fallen peace officers
DANVILLE, Va. (WFXR) – The Danville Police Department hosted a Peace Officers Memorial on Thursday, May 15, in Memory of all the officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Six officers have died in Danville during the line of duty, five from the Department and one from the Danville Sheriff's Office. 'Like every officer who serves today, each of the fallen from our ranks prepared to go to work that day, putting on the uniform and pinning on the badge, not knowing what opportunities, challenges, or risks they may face while they went about their duty to serve our community,' Chief Chris Wiles said. During the service, there was a rose placed in memory of each person's life, along with a ringing of a bell in their honor. The Danville Police Department Honor Guard also played taps with a benediction from Police Chaplain Jeff Lynch. John Clair named new chief of Blacksburg Police Department The Police stated the following lives lost in the line of duty in Danville: On Saturday, March 7, 1896, a prisoner shot and killed Deputy Sergeant William A. Cook while attempting to escape from the city jail. The pistol used was smuggled into the jail. Cook was killed four days before his 55th birthday. On Friday, Oct. 12, 1917, Officer William H. McCray, a 26-year veteran, was shot and killed while entering the home of a barricaded person. The male suspect wounded other officers before ultimately being killed by law enforcement officials. On Tuesday, June 14, 1921, Officer John P. Jones was just six months into his career when he was shot and killed by a shotgun rigged to the door of a local store. While on night shift, Jones noticed the door was partially open and went to investigate. When he opened the door, he was struck by the shotgun blast that the store owner had set to catch burglars. On Thursday, Nov. 10, 2005, Officer Courtney Lamont Dickerson was responding to an alarm call when he was involved in a motor vehicle crash that took his life. He was ejected from the car and died later that night. He was one year into his career. On Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, Officer Bonnie Jones, a 17-year veteran, died after contracting COVID-19 while working. Officer Jones was one of many peace officers to succumb to COVID-19 in the United States as a result of their job, which required face-to-face interaction with the community while most were still in quarantine. May 15 was proclaimed as National Peace Officers Memorial Day by President Kennedy in 1962 to recognize all of the fallen officers who lost their lives protecting others on the job. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Why Gov. Katie Hobbs is ordering flags across Arizona to be flown at half-staff
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs ordered flags at state buildings to be lowered to half-staff May 15 in honor of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. The act commemorated National Peace Officers Memorial Day, held annually on May 15, and National Police Week, according to a news release from the Arizona Department of Administration. "Together, we remember the peace officers in Arizona and across the country who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their courage and service will not be forgotten," Hobbs said in a statement. Nongovernment entities, businesses and people were encouraged to join the tribute and fly their own flags at half-staff. "Let's honor them by upholding the ideals they defended," Hobbs added. Peace officers are defined as people with a badge, arrest powers and a firearm, according to Any sworn-in person with legislative authority to enforce laws and initiate criminal prosecution is a peace officer. The website confirms though that while all police officers are peace officers, the opposite is not true. Gov. Hobbs ordered flags to be flown at half-staff May 5 to mark Arizona Peace Officers Memorial Day. A ceremony was held at a memorial at the Arizona state Capitol that paid tribute to fallen peace officers. As of May 2025, no Arizona law enforcement officer had been killed in the line of duty, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. Four police officers across Arizona died in 2024 due to accidents and fatal shootings. The most recent in September was Officer Zane Coolidge of the Phoenix Police Department, who was shot and killed while in pursuit of a burglary suspect, Saul Bal, who was later arrested and charged with Coolidge's death. In mid-June, Det. Ryan So with the Scottsdale Police Department was killed in a tragic accident when a rifle fell from inside a bag and discharged when it hit the ground, fatally striking So. Less than two weeks earlier, officer Joshua Briese of the Gila River Indian Community was shot and killed while responding to an unruly party. Briese's father, David, was also a police officer killed in the line of duty. In March, officer Adam Buckner died after a driver crashed into his patrol vehicle. Reach reporter Rey Covarrubias Jr. at rcovarrubias@ Follow him on X, Threads and Bluesky @ReyCJrAZ. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: State flags at half-staff to mark National Peace Officers Memorial Day
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Why are US flags are flying at half-staff in Texas? Peace Officers Memorial Day
Flags across the United States and Texas are at half-staff Sunday in honor of National Peace Officers Memorial Day, which commemorates the fallen officers in 2024 and years prior. President Donald Trump issued a statement earlier this week, recognizing the holiday. "This week and always, we honor the courageous men and women serving in law enforcement and memorialize those who sacrificed their lives defending the thin blue line," Trump wrote in a news release. He added that in prior years under the administration of former President Joe Biden, the job got tougher for law enforcement. "A nation in chaos ceases to be a citadel of liberty. Tragically, the previous administration allowed lawlessness to permeate our country, making it harder for our law enforcement officers to do their jobs. Their reckless, soft-on-crime policies emboldened criminals and thugs; wreaked havoc on the sanctity of our homes, businesses, and public spaces; instilled fear; and jeopardized public trust. "I stand in steadfast solidarity with those who defend our freedoms and the families who love and support them. We pray for those who grieve the fallen and pledge that their lives, legacies, and sacrifices will forever be remembered by our grateful Nation," he added. In the news release, he officially proclaimed May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week surrounding as National Police Week. However, this has been celebrated annually after President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating it as such. Police officers from across the United States gather in Washington, D.C., to honor and remember officers who died or were disabled while on duty, according to In 2024, 17 police officers died in the line of duty. Deputy Sheriff Ronald Bates of Harris County Sheriff's Office died Feb. 10, 2024, in an automobile crash. Deputy Sheriff Charles Rivette of Montgomery County Sheriff's Office died Feb. 21, 2024, in an automobile crash. Deputy Sheriff Bryan "Brad" Sweetman of Harris County Sheriff's Office died March 4, 2024, of a duty-related illness. Border Patrol Agent Christopher Luna of the U.S. Border Patrol died March 8, 2024, in an aircraft accident in Texas. Investigator John Hampton Coddou III of Harris County Sheriff's Office died April 23, 2024, after being struck by a vehicle. Police Officer Kyle Hicks of Corpus Christi Police Department died April 24, 2024, by gunfire. Assistant Chief Kevin Linn Palmer of North Richland Hills Police Department died May 1, 2024, of a heart attack. Border Patrol Agent Jesus Anaya of the U.S. Border Patrol died May 23, 2024, of COVID-19 in Texas. Senior Police Officer Vicente Ortiz, Jr. of Corpus Christi Police Department died June 1, 2024, in a motorcycle crash. Deputy Sheriff Fernando Esqueda of Harris County Sheriff's Office died July 11, 2024, by gunfire. Sergeant Billy Randolph of Fort Worth Police Department died Aug. 12, 2024, after being struck by a vehicle. Police Officer Darron Lee Burks of Dallas Police Department died Aug. 29, 2024, by gunfire. Trooper Kevin Alexis Ramirez-Vasquez of Texas Highway Patrol died Sept. 24, 2024, after being struck by a vehicle. Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia of Cameron County Constable's Office – Precinct 1 died Sept. 30, 2024, in a vehicular assault. Deputy Sheriff Lex Allen Love of Wise County Sheriff's Office died Oct. 2, 2024, in an automobile crash. Deputy Constable Katherine Hutson of Harris County Constable's Office – Precinct 5 died Nov. 22, 2024, in a vehicular assault. Police Officer Cooper Dawson of Greenville Police Department died Nov. 26, 2024, by gunfire. Police Officer Jacob Candanoza of Terrell Police Department died Dec. 8, 2024, by gunfire. Detention Officer Isaiah Patrick Bias of Ellis County Sheriff's Office died Dec. 16, 2024, by assault. There are specific holidays and events when flags are flown at half-staff in the United States. That includes: Memorial Day, when the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day. Patriot Day. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. National Firefighters Memorial Day. President Dwight Eisenhower also issued a proclamation on the proper times for flying the flag at half-staff when government officials die. That includes: 30 days at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and its territories and possessions after the death of the president or a former president. 10 days at half-staff after the death of the vice president, the chief justice or a retired chief justice of the United States Supreme Court, or the speaker of the House of Representatives. From the date of death until interment for an associate justice of the Supreme Court, a member of the Cabinet, a former vice president, the president pro tempore of the Senate, the majority leader of the Senate, the minority leader of the Senate, the majority leader of the House of Representatives, or the minority leader of the House of Representatives. The date of death and the following day of a United States senator, representative, territorial delegate, or the resident commissioner from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. It should also be flown at half-staff on all federal facilities in the state, congressional district, territory, or commonwealth of these officials. From the date of death until interment for the governor of a state, territory or possession. The president may also order the flag to be flown at half-staff to commemorate the death of other officials, former officials or foreign dignitaries, in addition to tragic events. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Why are US flags at half-staff? Honoring Peace Officers Memorial Day
