U.S. Attorney's Office for Southern District of Illinois issued the following announcement on May 10.
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft joined with federal officials across the Department of Justice to recognize the service and sacrifice of all federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement officers, in honor of National Police Week.
Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the courage of our law enforcement officers and the devotion to the communities they have sworn to serve.
“This week was a time to honor our law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “I am constantly inspired by the extraordinary courage and dedication with which members of law enforcement act each day, puttingtheir lives on the line to make our communities safer. To members of law enforcement and your families: we know that not a single day, nor a single week, is enough to recognize your service and sacrifice. On behalf of the entire Department of Justice, you have our unwavering support and eternal gratitude.”
“Protecting and serving our communities has never been more difficult, more demanding, or more dangerous than it is today,” said U.S. Attorney Weinhoeft. “In the past year, we have seen so many brave and selfless officers put themselves in harm’s way to ensure the safety of others. We know most stories of police heroism go untold. This week is a great opportunity to say thank you to the unsung heroes of our community.”
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week, to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. This year, the week falls from Sunday, May 9, through Saturday, May 15, 2021. Peace Officers Memorial Day is always observed on May 15 and specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
In 2020, 295 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty. According to the FBI, 46 officers died as a result of felonious acts, and 47 died in accidents. These and other statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website. Based on data analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 90 percent of the remaining 2020 deaths were attributable to COVID-19.
We are grateful that none of the reported fatalities occurred here in the Southern District of Illinois. We still remember and honor the life of Illinois State Trooper Nicholas Hopkins, who was shot and killed on Aug. 23, 2019, while attempting to execute a search warrant in East St. Louis. He was just 33 years old.
Original source can be found here.