26th Annual Candlelight Vigil

Last night, the nation paused to formally dedicate the names of 286 fallen law enforcement heroes, added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in 2013. Of the 286 names, 100 were officers killed in the line of duty during 2013 and 186 were names of officers previously undiscovered.

U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr. delivered poignant keynote remarks and led the lighting of candles and reading of the fallen officers’ names



Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, and Madeline Neumann, National President of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), also participated in the annual tribute to fallen officers, a special part of the National Police Week observance in the nation’s capital.

The evening’s program also featured musical tributes and a special recognition of survivors of fallen officers, as well as some dignitaries and guests, including Senator Lisa Murkowski representing the state of Alaska.



The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund also partnered with Clear Channel Outdoor to raise awareness across the country to honor these fallen officers, as well as raise awareness about the annual Candlelight Vigil and United By Light events and virtual candle wall. And for the sixth year in a row, USA Today has printed a quarter page ad in honor of the 100 officers who died in 2013.

The national monument now contains the names of 20,267 fallen law enforcement officers—from all 50 states; the District of Columbia; U.S. territories; federal law enforcement, corrections, railroad and military police agencies—who have died in the performance of duty throughout U.S. history, dating back to the first known officer death in 1791.

Special thanks to Officer.com for providing a free webcast of last night's services.