Far too often, we tend to forget the extreme and inherent danger that comes along with a career
in law enforcement. It’s true that in a quiet and peaceful suburban community like Clarksotwn,
the average day of police work is relatively routine but we have seen time and time again how
terrible tragedies can happen anywhere. From Newtown, Connecticut to Nashville, Tennessee,
we have seen how our police officers respond with bravery when faced with the most horrific
and dangerous circumstances. We have also seen far too many of these honorable public
servants, such as NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, lose their lives in senseless, targeted shootings.
In a time where the men and women who serve to protect our communities are often under attack
from criminals, radical political organizations, and the media, it is important to remember how
much they deserve our respect and gratitude for what they do for all of us on a daily basis. And
it’s incredibly important to honor and remember the officers who sacrificed their lives in the line
of duty.
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page’s statistics, 137 law enforcement officers lost
their lives in service in 2023. Another source, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
Fund (NLEOMF), reports that 47 of those deaths were firearms-related. While the shootings
make the most headlines, many officers are killed in traffic-related incidents, including being hit
by oncoming traffic during traffic stops. The NLEOMF reports that 37 officers lost their lives in
these incidents in 2023. The latest numbers reported show that 56 officers have made the
ultimate sacrifice in 2024. Next week, the nation will honor their service along with the more
than 26,000 others who sacrificed before them.
National Police Week 2024 begins on Sunday, May 12, 2024 and runs through Saturday, May
18. This week of national recognition and appreciation originally began in 1962, when President
John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial
Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. This event now draws tens of
thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world to Washington, DC each year to
participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
In addition, many municipalities throughout the country, including Clarkstown, hold law
enforcement honorary services during this week.
There are two upcoming opportunities for Clarkstown residents to participate in local Police
Week events. The Clarkstown Police Department will hold its annual ceremony to recognize
current members who have gone above and beyond in service to our community on Sunday, May
18th. The ceremony takes place outside the Clarkstown Police Department headquarters at 20
Maple Avenue in New City. Shortly after, the Rockland County Chief’s Association will host
their Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service at 11:00 am in front of the Rockland County
Courthouse, located at 1 South Main Street, New City. All residents are invited to attend.
We are very fortunate to have what many consider to be one of the finest Police Departments
right here in Clarkstown. Every time they put on the uniform, they are potentially putting their
lives at risk to keep us safe. Please consider taking some time to come and show your support
for them and to remember those who gave their lives in the line of duty. Thank you to all in law
enforcement serving our communities, towns, and cities, and nation.
