Thousands of peace officers, family members and law enforcement supporters from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., May 11–17 for National Police Week events to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and support the loved ones they left behind.

This year, the names of 345 U.S. officers — 148 who were killed in 2024 and 197 from previous years — were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, bringing the total number inscribed there to 24,412. The fallen heroes’ names were read aloud and formally dedicated during the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) 37th annual Candlelight Vigil on the National Mall on May 13. 

Two days later, the 44th annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service, hosted by the National Fraternal Order of Police and National Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary, was held on the west front lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The service featured remarks by National FOP President Patrick Yoes and other dignitaries including Vice President J.D. Vance, followed by a roll call of heroes who died in the line of duty last year. Survivors of the fallen were invited to place flowers in a memorial wreath in their memory and presented with medals of ultimate sacrifice in honor of their loved ones. 

Other events honoring fallen officers throughout the week included the National Police K-9 Memorial Service; the 31st annual National Emerald Society Pipe Band Memorial March; the Police Unity Tour, the 300-mile bicycle ride from New Jersey to the nation’s capital; the National Police Survivors’ Conference and Kids/Teens Program hosted by the Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), which provides support and resources for surviving family members, friends and co-workers of officers who have died in the line of duty; and the Stand Watch for the Fallen ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.