SAN ANTONIO - In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza recognizes the dedication, service and sacrifice of federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officers. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 14 through Saturday, May 20. A livestreamed candlelight vigil on the National Mall in Washington D.C. will signify the start of the commemoration, Saturday, May 13 at 8pm EST.
President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week in 1962 to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which falls on May 15 each year, honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 226 federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officers nationwide died in the line of duty in 2022.
“This is a week for all of us across the nation to recognize and appreciate the dedication of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe," said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “As the U.S. Attorney, I thank our federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners in this district for their commitment to protecting our citizens and upholding the rule of law. We stand with them in solidarity and pledge to continue working together to build safer and stronger communities."
On Wednesday, a Cameron Police Officer was fatally shot by a subject while executing a search warrant in Cameron, south of Waco. The Milam County Sheriff’s Office identified the officer as Sergeant Joshua Clouse, a U.S. Army veteran who is survived by his wife and two children.
“The loss of Sgt. Clouse is a difficult reminder of why we recognize Police Week and I extend my deepest sympathies to his family, friends and those who served by his side," said U.S. Attorney Esparza. “We are grateful for his service and sacrifice in protecting his community. His memory should be forever honored."
For further details about National Police Week, visit NationalPoliceWeek.org, or learn more from the principal organizer of the week, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, at NLEOMF.org.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys