FBI National Academy Lays Wreath at Memorial

Dressed in dark green polo shorts and khaki pants, the members of the 261st session of the FBI National Academy gathered at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial on Wednesday, July 29, for their traditional wreathlaying memorial service.

With the presentation of colors by the Ceremonial Honor Guard from the Metro Transit Police Department and the National Anthem performed by Samuel Olson of the Big Lake (MN) Police Department, the FBI’s Benny Lamanna welcomed the group. Lamanna congratulated the participants for their hard work and determination that lead them through their 10-week course at the academy.

Ian Stratford, of the Toronto, Canada, Police Service, reminded the officers of the names on the walls of the Memorial around them. “Heroes,” he called them, adding “law enforcement were the ones who ran in when everyone else was running out.”

After the wreath placement ceremony and roll call of fallen officers, Lamanna asked the group to raise their right hand and rededicate themselves to their profession, to keeping the public safe.

The ceremony ended with Rick Pasciuto, retired from the U.S. Capitol Police, playing Taps and the bagpipes of Rob Deer from the Fairfax County (VA) Sheriff’s Office.