The Emerald Society, an organization of American police officers or fire fighters of Irish heritage, held the 20th Annual Emerald Society and Pipeband March and Service on Wednesday, May 14th. The service remembered all law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, in particular officers of Gaelic descent, and featured numerous musical tributes.
Bagpipes trace their roots to the Middle East several centuries before the birth of Christ. But it was in Ireland and Scotland that the instrument became popular, used to signal a death and escort the fallen to the final resting place. Their strong association with law enforcement in the United States developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as Irish-Americans stepped forward and began to fill the growing ranks of our law enforcement agencies. One of the enduring traditions they brought with them was bagpipe music.
The Memorial was proud to host this ceremony honoring the service and sacrifice of our fallen officers.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
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.
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.
18th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Run- Philadelphia to DC
The 18th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Run made its way to the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial this afternoon. Each year
runners make the journey from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Washington DC to honor fallen officers from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland.
The run began 18 years ago with just two participants. Over time, the Law Enforcement Memorial Run has evolved into a group of over eighty participants including officers, supporters and survivors. In addition to the main group, hundred of extra runners join in during various legs of the trip. The run made several stops along the way to honor those law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
During the post-run ceremony, the group honored the families of fallen Officer William J. McCarthy, IV, Shenango Township (PA) Police Department, Officer Daniel "J.J." Lomax, Forest City Borough (PA) Department, and Officer Jason L. Schneider, Baltimore County (MD) Police Department. Each family was presented a plaque by James Harrity, Pennsylvania State Fraternal Order of Police.
The run began 18 years ago with just two participants. Over time, the Law Enforcement Memorial Run has evolved into a group of over eighty participants including officers, supporters and survivors. In addition to the main group, hundred of extra runners join in during various legs of the trip. The run made several stops along the way to honor those law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
During the post-run ceremony, the group honored the families of fallen Officer William J. McCarthy, IV, Shenango Township (PA) Police Department, Officer Daniel "J.J." Lomax, Forest City Borough (PA) Department, and Officer Jason L. Schneider, Baltimore County (MD) Police Department. Each family was presented a plaque by James Harrity, Pennsylvania State Fraternal Order of Police.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Thank You, USA Today, for Honoring our Fallen Heroes
When it comes to honoring the memory of our nation’s fallen law enforcement heroes, the Gannett Co. gets it.For the sixth year in a row, the company’s flagship newspaper, USA Today, has donated a quarter-page ad paying tribute to officers killed in the line of duty. The ad, which appeared on page 7A of the May 13th edition, lists the names of all 100 officers who died in law enforcement service during 2013. And it reminds the family members, loved ones and colleagues of the fallen that a grateful nation will always remember these brave men and women.
Thank you, Gannett and USA Today, for honoring our heroes during National Police Week.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Police Unity Tour 2014
Shortly after 2 pm today, nearly 1,800 members of the Police Unity Tour completed their long journey to Washington, DC. Participants traveled hundreds of miles the past three days—from six spokes in East Hanover (NJ), Franklin Township (NJ), Millville (NJ), Portsmouth (VA), Richmond (VA), and Philadelphia (PA) to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
Friends, family and supporters gathered at the Memorial, waving signs and cheering on the participants as they finished the long ride. The Police Unity Tour’s motto is “We Ride for Those Who Died” and is one that each rider seriously embraces. Participants not only trained hard for the 300 mile average ride but also raised money to provide awareness and financial support for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
After all riders had entered the Memorial, a brief ceremony was held, and Florham Park (NJ) Chief Patrick Montuore, founder of the Police Unity Tour, presented a check for $1.91 million to Craig W. Floyd, Chairman & CEO of the NLEOMF—the highest amount raised in the history of the Police Unity Tour.
We thank all the members of the Police Unity Tour, who worked tirelessly to ensure the service and sacrifice of America's law enforcement heroes are forever remembered. Their generosity, commitment and unity are vital to honoring all 20,267 officers killed in the line of duty.
Friends, family and supporters gathered at the Memorial, waving signs and cheering on the participants as they finished the long ride. The Police Unity Tour’s motto is “We Ride for Those Who Died” and is one that each rider seriously embraces. Participants not only trained hard for the 300 mile average ride but also raised money to provide awareness and financial support for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
After all riders had entered the Memorial, a brief ceremony was held, and Florham Park (NJ) Chief Patrick Montuore, founder of the Police Unity Tour, presented a check for $1.91 million to Craig W. Floyd, Chairman & CEO of the NLEOMF—the highest amount raised in the history of the Police Unity Tour.
We thank all the members of the Police Unity Tour, who worked tirelessly to ensure the service and sacrifice of America's law enforcement heroes are forever remembered. Their generosity, commitment and unity are vital to honoring all 20,267 officers killed in the line of duty.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
19th Annual LawRide
This Mother’s Day, law enforcement officers and motorcycle enthusiasts gathered at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC to prepare for the 19th Annual LawRide to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Hundreds of motorcyclists cruised past the U.S. Capitol, down Pennsylvania Avenue, and up 5th Street on their way to the Memorial.
Immediately following the ride, a ceremony was held and four ceremonial wreaths were placed at the Memorial’s center medallion, to honor all the fallen heroes of American law enforcement.
For photos from the 2014 LawRide, as well as from other events happening during National Police Week, follow NLEOMF at www.facebook.com/nleomf, on instagram @nleomf and on twitter @nleomf.
For more information about National Police Week 2014, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.LawMemorial.org/PoliceWeek.
Immediately following the ride, a ceremony was held and four ceremonial wreaths were placed at the Memorial’s center medallion, to honor all the fallen heroes of American law enforcement.
For photos from the 2014 LawRide, as well as from other events happening during National Police Week, follow NLEOMF at www.facebook.com/nleomf, on instagram @nleomf and on twitter @nleomf.
For more information about National Police Week 2014, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.LawMemorial.org/PoliceWeek.
Friday, May 9, 2014
35th Annual Washington Area Police Memorial Service
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) of Washington, DC, the Fraternal Order of Police DC Lodge #1, and the DC Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors hosted the 35th Annual Washington Area Police Memorial Service at MPD’s Headquarters in downtown DC with Jennifer Donelan of ABC/WILA-TV, as master of ceremonies.
This annual service recognizes the work of all DC Metro area law enforcement officers. Special recognition was given to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in 2013, including Special Agent Christopher William Lorek, Special Agent Stephen Shaw, Special Agent Sang Jin, Officer Jason Schenider, and K-9 "Maxo".
Following the presentation of colors and the national anthem, introductory remarks were given by District of Columbia Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier, followed by remarks from District of Columbia Mayor Vincent C. Gray and guest speaker Stacia A. Hylton, Director of the United States Marshals Service. Representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore County Police Department, and United States Secret Service spoke about their officers lost in the past year, which was followed by a solemn roll call of fallen heroes from the DC Metro area.
Survivors, law enforcement officers and friends placed blue roses along the edge of the fountain at the Washington Law Enforcement Memorial as the names of the fallen were read. As a special tribute, an MPD helicopter conducted a ceremonial fly-over at the end of the service.
The names of the four officers honored at the service today will be dedicated on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial at the 26th Annual Candlelight Vigil this Sunday, May 13 at 8:00 pm, along with 286 other officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
For more information about National Police Week 2014, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.LawMemorial.org/PoliceWeek.
This annual service recognizes the work of all DC Metro area law enforcement officers. Special recognition was given to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in 2013, including Special Agent Christopher William Lorek, Special Agent Stephen Shaw, Special Agent Sang Jin, Officer Jason Schenider, and K-9 "Maxo".
Following the presentation of colors and the national anthem, introductory remarks were given by District of Columbia Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier, followed by remarks from District of Columbia Mayor Vincent C. Gray and guest speaker Stacia A. Hylton, Director of the United States Marshals Service. Representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore County Police Department, and United States Secret Service spoke about their officers lost in the past year, which was followed by a solemn roll call of fallen heroes from the DC Metro area.
Survivors, law enforcement officers and friends placed blue roses along the edge of the fountain at the Washington Law Enforcement Memorial as the names of the fallen were read. As a special tribute, an MPD helicopter conducted a ceremonial fly-over at the end of the service.
The names of the four officers honored at the service today will be dedicated on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial at the 26th Annual Candlelight Vigil this Sunday, May 13 at 8:00 pm, along with 286 other officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
For more information about National Police Week 2014, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.LawMemorial.org/PoliceWeek.
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