Each year our nation loses between 140-160 law enforcement officers in the line of duty.  National Police Week (NPW) held May 11 – 17 each year in Washington, D.C. honors the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement officers.  On May 11 and 12, surviving families and co-workers begin arriving in Washington, D.C. for the events.

The first major event is the Candlelight Vigil hosted by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) on May 13.  The service begins at 8:00 p.m. with the newly-engraved names being read.

Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) hosts the National Police Survivors’ Conference on May 14 and May 16. This conference provides surviving family members and co-workers the opportunity to find support and understanding from other survivors, talk with mental health professionals, and attend seminar sessions that will help them and their family address their grief. Conference attendees leave National Police Week with a greater understanding of the grief process and the support available through C.O.P.S.

The Fraternal Order of Police and Auxiliary hosts the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service on the West Front Lawn of the United States Capitol on May 15.  The surviving family members will have an opportunity to place a flower on a wreath honoring their fallen officer.