Statement released Wednesday, May 17 by US Attorney for Connecticut Deirdre Daly
As the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, I have the honor of working closely with federal, state and local law enforcement officers on a daily basis. I am deeply appreciative of the professionalism, dedication and quiet courage these brave men and women continually demonstrate under demanding and often dangerous circumstances. Put simply, we would be lost without the goodwill and hard work of our police officers.
Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 143 police officers died in the line of duty last year – the highest figure since 2011, when 178 officers died. Officer deaths peaked in 1930, when 307 were killed.
Since the mid-1970s, the number of officer deaths has hovered below 200 every year. The exception was in 2001, when 243 died – 72 of whom were killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the most in any single incident in U.S. history. So far this year, 44 officers have died in the line of duty nationwide. Gun-related incidents have long been the leading cause of officer deaths.
Over the last 10 years, 537 of the more than 1,500 officers who died in the line of duty were shot to death. Almost 400 died in car crashes, and 270 died as a result of job-related illness.
Here in Connecticut, I see firsthand how the men and women of law enforcement fulfill their sworn duty to uphold justice.
I am grateful that National Police Week gives us a moment to pause to honor these brave public servants and to reflect on their commitment and valor.
I hope that you will join me in thanking police officers everywhere for their service and for all that they do for all of us.
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