National Police Week

May 13-19, 2018

Fifty-six years ago, President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726 in 1962 designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in honor of those law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty and its calendar week as Police Week in recognition of the service given by the men and women who, night and day, stand guard in our midst to protect us through enforcement of our laws. Amended in 1994, President Bill Clinton signed Public Law 103-322 directing the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff on May 15.

This year, the names of 360 peace officers, 129 from 2017 and 231 from years past, will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall at Judiciary Square in Washington, D.C., which honors 21,541 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty since 1791.  In memory of each of these officers who answered their final call, may they rest in peace and know that they will not be forgotten by their family, friends, fellow officers and a grateful nation.

JOHN L. WATTERSON, Merchant Policeman – Indianapolis Police Department
Panel 54E, Line 30 – EOW 12/23/1893

AARON WILLIAM ALLAN, Lieutenant – Southport Police Department
Panel 16W, Line 31 – EOW 07/27/2017

HARRISON BURGESS WELLS, Patrolman – Vincennes Police Department
Panel 29W, Line 31 – EOW 08/08/1905