On Monday, May 12th, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne delivered the keynote address at the Department's Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony, which honored Interior officers who have died in the line of duty.
The Department has more than 4,000 sworn law enforcement officers who protect the public and Interior employees as part of the National Park Service, U.S. Park Police, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Reclamation. In the 159-year history of the Department, 96 law officers have died while protecting the people and communities they serve.
"I am thankful to report that none of our law enforcement officers lost his or her life in the past year," said Secretary Kempthorne. "Any year we do not suffer a loss is a notable achievement that is a testimony to the pride, professionalism and dedication of our officers. The work they do is difficult and dangerous. They are often alone in remote areas, far from backup. Far from help. On behalf of all Americans, I thank all of our officers for placing themselves in harm’s way that we might be kept safe and that our lands and facilities might be secure."
The memorial ceremony also included a wreath laying ceremony in remembrance of the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to the nation. It featured honor guards from the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, and the United States Park Police, as well as the Native American drum group, The Black Bear Singers.
Interior joins the Nation in observing the week of May 11th through May 17th as National Police Week 2008. Police Week honors the men and women in law enforcement who make daily sacrifices to serve their communities and the United States, particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in the service of others. The 2008 national theme is “Surrounded by Heroes."
