Targeted News Service
WASHINGTON — In honor of National Police Week, Mayor Vincent C. Gray joined Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier in recognizing the ultimate sacrifice made by a Metropolitan Police Department officer in the line of service. Mayor Gray and Chief Lanier presented Officer Paul Dittamo’s family with a key to the city and a certificate of mayoral recognition and observed a moment of silence in remembrance of Officer Dittamo and all officers who have fallen in the line of duty. On Monday, Mayor Gray attended the 32nd Annual Washington Area Police Memorial Service.
“There are no words that rise to the sacrifice offered by Officer Paul Dittamo,” said Mayor Gray. “His exemplary service and that of other officers fallen in the line of duty humbles all public servants. In the District of Columbia and across America, our communities are better because of the service provided by the men and women of law enforcement.”
“Thousands of officers are coming to the District of Columbia to mourn the loss of the 152 law enforcement members killed in the line of duty last year,” said Chief Lanier. “We must remember the eternal sacrifice they made and support the loved ones they left behind.”
On June 8th, 2009 Officer Dittamo joined the Metropolitan Police Department. As part of the hiring process, he stated that he wanted to become a police officer because he believed he would “make a difference and be a positive role model.” He graduated from the Metropolitan Police Academy in February 2010 and was assigned to the 7th District. He took his training seriously and immediately gained the respect of both his peers and superiors. Officer Dittamo was killed on October 30, 2010 while responding to a call for service. On Thursday, November 4, 2010, Officer Dittamo was laid to rest in Manassas, Virginia.
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