JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Citizens are being reminded that this week is National Police Week, a time to recognize and honor the men and women of law enforcement who serve and protect our communities.
In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th National Police Officers Memorial Day and the week as National Police Week. Nationally, 307 officers were killed in the line of duty last year.
Although this year’s public Memorial service has been cancelled because of the current COVID-19 public health restrictions, the state’s fallen heroes will be remembered on Friday, as Chaplains from the Crisis Care Chaplaincy read the roll call in a closed service at the Law Enforcement Memorial. The service will end with a trumpeter playing Taps.
“Although sixty-four officers have lost their lives in North Dakota since 1882, we are fortunate that last year, no officers were killed in the line of duty. Let us hope that next year we can say the same,” said Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem.
After dusk on Thursday, the State Capitol building windows on two floors will be lit to display a ‘Thin Blue Line,’ in a show of support and respect for all law enforcement, past and present. The “Thin Blue Line” display at the Capitol will continue on Friday evening, in remembrance of the state’s fallen officers.
“The ‘Thin Blue Line’ symbolizes the line of law enforcement that stands between chaos and order, steadfast in the face of danger to ensure that we stay safe. As we remember the fallen, we will also have the opportunity to say thank you to those who continue to protect and serve,” said Stenehjem.
Area officers who have died in the line of duty include:
H.M. Personius Valley City PD 1906
E.M. (Ned) Morris New Rockford PD 1926
Charles M. Allmaras Eddy SO 1942
Ronald E. Trautman Jamestown PD 1966