National Peace Officers' Memorial Day

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed into a law a bill designating today -- May 15th -- as National Peace Officers' Memorial Day. 

Today, and every day, we at the Officer Down Memorial Page pay tribute to the fallen law enforcement heroes who gave their lives to protect and serve.

We recognize the sacrifices made by the men and women who wear the badge, and we offer our heartfelt appreciation for all that they do.

The Band of Blue: ODMP hosts the National Police Week 5K

The National Police Week 5K is proudly hosted by the Officer Down Memorial Page

Each year, The Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP) proudly hosts the National Police Week 5K (NPW5K) in Washington D.C. to kick off National Police Week.

As the 2015 NPW5K approaches, we at ODMP would like to recognize those who support the law enforcement community: the individuals across the country and around the world who acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifice of the men and women behind the badge. 

These people make up what we like to call the Band of Blue. 

While the “Thin Blue Line” has long been the symbol that represents law enforcement officers (LEOs) who bravely work to protect and serve the public, those of us who have taken that oath to protect and serve understand that the blue line is made up not only of police officers, but of our family, friends, and community supporters as well.
 

This May, many members of the Band of Blue will come together to run in the National Police Week 5K. 

Together, we will remember those law enforcement officers who have fallen in the line of duty.  Together, we will support the organizations that pay tribute to those heroes and provide support to their survivors. 

Together, we will make a difference.

We hope you will join us.

Thank you for supporting our LEOs. Thank you for being part of the Band of Blue.

Line of Duty Deaths in the 21st Century

The Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP) maintains an extensive database with information on the more than 22,000 law enforcement line of duty deaths (LODDs) in United States history.  This data, though, is only useful if it is analyzed and publicized so that people can understand how, where, and when line of duty deaths most often occur.

With this thought in mind, ODMP director Chris Cosgriff set out to create a visual representation of our most recent LODDs---those that have taken place since 2000---with the hope that law enforcement agencies, training academies, and other groups will display it, share it, and learn from it.

Says Cosgriff, "The ODMP infographic showing line of duty deaths in the US from 2000-2014 gives a stark look at the dangers and truths of modern law enforcement, and illustrates in simple terms the sacrifice that law enforcement officers make.  Looking at these statistics, it is clear that line of duty deaths can happen to any officer--young or old, rookie or veteran.  It's vital that we use our information to educate the public and law enforcement officers alike on the real dangers that exist today." 

With this information, ODMP hopes to raise awareness so that the public can truly understand the dangers that law enforcement officers face and so that officers can adjust their tactics, driving habits, and so on in order to improve their own safety.

This poster is available as a free download on the Officer Down Memorial Page website.  It is printable up to sixe 13x19.