[The following information is from New Canaan Police Chief Leon Krolikowski.]
In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week.
Established by a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
Currently, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, D.C., to participate in a number of planned events that honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
In 2014, across our nation, 127 officers died in the line of duty. This New Canaan Police Department Memorial honors these 127 lives lost:
For National Police Week, the New Canaan Police Department is honoring 127 officers who lost their lives in the line of duty with this memorial outside headquarters. Each blue flag represents one life. Photo Courtesy of the New Canaan Police Department
Each blue flag represents a life lost.
We also honor two New Canaan Officers whom died in the line of duty:
- Chief Constable Louis Drucker, End of Watch: January 25, 1888
- Officer James Martin, End of Watch: July 24, 1991
This week, we honor their ultimate sacrifice and express our sincere condolences to their grieving families, friends, fellow officers and loved ones.