The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) has formally announced that 363 names of U.S. law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in 2026. The names will be engraved on the walls of the memorial walls during the month of April and formally dedicated at the 38th annual Candlelight Vigil, held on the National Mall between 4th and 7th Streets in Washington, D.C., at 8 p.m. on May 13.
The 2026 Roll Call of Heroes features the names of official line-of-duty fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. This includes 109 federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement officers who died in 2025. In addition, 254 officers who died in previous years will also have their names inscribed this year. Their sacrifices are now being recognized after NLEOMF’s research staff confirmed the circumstances of their deaths and their records of law enforcement service.
“As we come together to honor the officers we’ve lost, we reflect not only on their sacrifice, but on the commitment that called them to serve,” NLEOMF CEO William Alexander said. “Their bravery and dedication leave a lasting mark on our nation and on all who follow in their footsteps. This is a moment to remember their stories, support their loved ones and carry their legacy forward with enduring respect.”
Each year on May 13, during National Police Week, an estimated 30,000 people attend the Candlelight Vigil ceremony in Washington, D.C., including surviving family members, friends, law enforcement colleagues and others. The event brings people together from across the country to honor fallen officers and be surrounded by strength while remembering their service and ultimate sacrifice.
With these additions, there will now be 24,775 officers’ names engraved on the memorial, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, federal law enforcement, campus and military police agencies.
The engraving process starts with a lengthy stencil and proofing procedure, followed by a meticulous engraving and curing process. Once the engraving and curing process is finished, the covers are removed and the panel is completed. The utmost care is taken not only in vetting and authenticating each name, but also to ensure that each is engraved on the memorial in a manner that preserves its integrity. The engraving process will begin with a brief ceremony on Tuesday, April 21, at 9:30 a.m. EST, and work is expected to be completed by the end of April.
The names of the 363 officers added to the national memorial this year can be found at the Roll Call of Heroes, 2026. For a complete schedule of National Police Week events in Washington, D.C., visit LawMemorial.org/PoliceWeek.
