NATIONAL
POLICE WEEK, May 9-15, 2004
Director Mueller Honors "Extraordinary Accomplishments by Extraordinary
People"
05/13/04
"Police Week" in
May is always marked by grief and joy. It's a time when communities across
America put names and faces to the people who protect them, honoring acts
of special courage and paying tribute to their officers who have been killed
in the line of duty. And it's a time when families of law enforcement officers
come together and draw strength from each other, because they all live,
day in and day out, with the difficult fact that their loved one has chosen
a dangerous profession.
In Washington, DC, the
celebration is emotional and profoundly moving. For the thousands of law
enforcement families who come to Washington, there is a candlelight vigil
at the National Memorial, where the names of over 16,600 fallen officers
are inscribed. There are award ceremonies. Ceremonial wreath layings. Seminars
for the survivors of officers who died in the line of duty. Marches and
services filled with police, sheriffs, FBI and other federal agents.
Today, May 13,
as part of the week's events, Director Mueller had the honor of addressing
the Officer of the Month Awards Luncheon. Twelve awards were
given to officers or teams of officers for extraordinary service over
the course of the year--each with a personal story that goes to the heart
of protecting people and keeping communities safe.
In Director Mueller's
words, "This afternoon, we are honoring these officers for
their courage shown in the line of duty. Courage that let them
risk death in a blazing fire to save a frightened elderly woman. Courage
that drove them to pursue cop killers for their entire careers in the name
of justice.
"We are
also honoring these individuals for their actions -- actions
which have sometimes brought them personal injury. Actions such as chasing
and then tackling carjackers and thieves even though they were seriously
wounded themselves. Overcoming paralyzing injuries and returning to their
departments to continue to serve their communities. Battling fires, drug
dealers, and cancer all at the same time – and beating all three.
Or going into deadly situations armed only with words, and getting shot
in the midst of those negotiation efforts.
"In addition to
these remarkable individuals, we are honoring teams who have produced
successes far beyond their size. Who have trained thousands of
officers in the D.A.R.E. program and, through them, have reached millions
of children with anti-drug messages. Who, at significant personal risk,
have recovered hundreds of stolen vehicles and arrested thousands of car
thieves and other criminals.
"We are
honoring soldiers in law enforcement who have served on the front lines
of the war on terrorism. Soldiers who have fought anthrax attacks.
Captured fugitive serial bombers responsible for terrorizing the nation.
Subdued a man holding a grenade, then took that grenade and held it in
his bare hands until the bomb squad arrived."
We hope you
will take just a moment tonight, during the Candlelight Vigil, to remember
the officers in your community who put their lives on the line every
day--they will be so appreciative.
Pictured is the
1996 wreath laying ceremony at the National Memorial commemorating the
following fallen FBI Special Agents: Michael John Miller, Martha Dixon-Martinez,
and William Christian, Jr.
Link: Read
the complete speech.
