WASHINGTON, D.C. – Family members and law enforcement officers honored those who have died in the line of duty in 2024 with a candlelight vigil along the National Mall. It’s all part of the Police Week ceremonies happening in Washington.
While enduring the relentless rain, family members and law enforcement officers took part in the candlelight vigil ceremony from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. This year they honor 345 men and women who died in the line of duty. About half of them died in 2024, the other half has been approved by the NLEOMF’s research team. The ceremony read out loud each name being honored, followed by the sound of a bell.
“The impact of hearing those names is something I can’t really put into words,” said Bill Alexander, CEO of the NLEOMF.
Alexander said the total number of line-of-duty deaths in 2024 represents a 25 percent increase in officer deaths compared to 2023.
“To me it indicates the conditions out on our roads, out on our streets, the conditions for the men and women in uniform doing this very tough and oftentimes dangerous job,” said Alexander. “It’s getting more dangerous. I don’t necessarily know how or why that is the case; I have some theories, but the reality is whatever the theories are, almost immaterial. The reality is the more men and women are dying each year than in years past.”
The organization hopes this vigil is a reminder of the sacrifice many people in our local communities make to help keep us safe.
“Find that local police officer directing traffic or sitting in the coffee shop- find him or her and say ‘thank you,’” said Alexander. “’Thank you for your service, thank you for being willing to put your life on the line.’”
The 345 names have also been added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial wall. That memorial is in DC where it shows the names of more than 24-thousand officers who died in the line of duty.
