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Editor:
In 1962, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, through a joint resolution of Congress, established Peace Officers Memorial Day, beginning May 15, 1963. He also established May 15 of each year and the calendar week May 15 occurs as National Police Week.
May 15 is a vitally important day for law enforcement officers, which honors and remembers police officers who died in the line of duty. We make a solemn pledge to our brothers and sisters that we will always remember their sacrifice. While we carry out that promise every day we serve, Peace Officer's Memorial Day is our opportunity to share our story of sacrifice with the public.
Tragically, the trend continues upward with 135 police officers and 33 K-9 partners dying in the line of duty in 2016. This includes numerous examples of police officers being specifically targeted and ambushed. In Ohio, five police officers and one K-9 partner died in the line of duty in 2016:
Patrolman Aaron Christian, Chesapeake Police Department
Trooper Kenneth Velez, Ohio State Highway Patrol
Police Officer Sean Johnson, Hilliard Division of Police
Police Officer Steven Smith, Columbus Division of Police
Police Officer Thomas Cottrell, Danville Police Department
K-9 Jethro, Canton Police Department
East Liverpool FOP No. 29 feels that those in law enforcement continue to hope that something positive can come from the sacrifice of fallen officers. We remember those who've died protecting others and also hope that this can serve as recognition and a turning point so those who strive to keep our communities safe are kept safe themselves.
The National Fraternal Order of Police asks everyone honoring police during this week to use the hashtag #PoliceWeek in all relevant social media posts. May 15 is also a customary day to fly American flags at half staff from sunrise to sunset.
The East Liverpool FOP No. 29 would also like to commend those who have honored us by lighting blue lights and asks everyone to do this during Police Week to honor those who have died in the line of duty.
Chad Tatgenhorst
President
East Liverpool FOP No. 29