WASHINGTON — A flag folded in honor of a fallen friend. A name etched into stone. A bike ride spanning nearly 1,000 miles. Across the country — and in the nation’s capital — law enforcement agencies and supporters paused to remember the officers and K-9 partners who made the ultimate sacrifice.
This year, agencies large and small took to social media to share how they honored their fallen and celebrated those who continue to serve. Below is a roundup of how departments across the U.S. marked National Police Week 2025.
A week of remembrance and recognition
In San Marcos, Texas, the police department held a remembrance ceremony honoring fallen officers Kenneth Copeland and Justin Putnam. Detective Joseph Garza received an American flag in memory of Officer Copeland, while Coach Anthony Wood of Westwood High School accepted a Texas flag in honor of Officer Putnam, a former player of his.
“Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” the department posted, emphasizing the community bonds both officers had forged.
In California, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office welcomed the Law Enforcement United “Long Riders,” a cycling team of officers, survivors and supporters who pedaled nearly 1,000 miles from San Francisco to San Diego, delivering wreaths to more than 50 agencies in honor of the fallen.
This #NationalPoliceWeek, we remember all members of law enforcement who have died in the line of duty.
— San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) May 13, 2025
On May 7, @SDSheriff welcomed Law Enforcement United's "Long Riders" to Sheriff's Headquarters in Kearny Mesa. This cycling team is made up of law enforcement officers,… pic.twitter.com/3nlQiQGbkQ
At the national level, a Purple Heart ceremony honored four officers killed while serving on a U.S. Marshals task force in Charlotte, North Carolina. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi shared her appreciation for the tribute, saying the nation will be “eternally grateful” for their service.
On April 29, 2024 four men were lost in Charolette, NC while serving on a U.S. Marshals task force. These heroes were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on a fugitive when they were shot and killed.
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) May 14, 2025
During this Police Week 2025, they were honored with a Purple Heart Ceremony… pic.twitter.com/H2dDfLFdSG
The FBI shared a video message reaffirming its commitment to honoring those lost:
“Honor our fallen — and stand with those they left behind.”
Honor our fallen — and stand with those they left behind.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) May 12, 2025
The FBI is proud to join the country in commemorating Police Week 2025. God bless all those who serve, their families, and those tragically lost in the line of duty. pic.twitter.com/v0BvyobATT
In Florida, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office shared a reel showcasing deputies in action as part of their National Police Week tribute.
“They go above and beyond every day,” the post read. “Join us in honoring their dedication, bravery and commitment.”
Community connections and public support
Across the country, officers connected with their communities in meaningful ways. Pennsylvania State Police visited a local YMCA, where troopers spent time with children and gave them a tour of a patrol vehicle.
In honor of #PoliceWeek, a YMCA in Erie County invited Troopers for snacks and to spend time with a great group of kids. The children loved getting an up-close look at a PSP patrol vehicle. pic.twitter.com/8li4Bdo3Pb
— PA State Police (@PAStatePolice) May 14, 2025
In Nashville, the Metro PD’s Drill & Ceremony Team took part in the Tennessee Honor Walk in Washington, D.C., to pay tribute to the state’s fallen officers.
A solemn ceremony in Washington, D.C. during #NationalPoliceWeek--the MNPD's Drill & Ceremony Team participating in the Tennessee Honor Walk, a tribute at the National Police Memorial Wall to our state's officers who died in the line of duty. pic.twitter.com/x5Kn005hUB
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) May 14, 2025
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch shared that 52 members of the NYPD were being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
“May their memories continue to be a blessing,” she wrote.
During National Police Week we honor all who take the oath to serve, and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This year, the names of 52 members of the NYPD are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. May their memories continue to be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/IU2PyoUulZ
— Jessica S. Tisch (@NYPDPC) May 14, 2025
In Chicago, the Cubs hosted First Responder Night in partnership with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, with strong representation from CPD and other agencies.
The @Cubs & National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund @NLEOMF Hosted FIRST RESPONDER NIGHT #PoliceWeek @cpdmemorial @CFDMedia @ChicagoOEMC @Taylor_McGregor #ChicagoPolice #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/usCwJXqIOy
— Tom Ahern (@TAhern_) May 13, 2025
In Jefferson County, Colorado, rows of American flags were placed outside the sheriff’s office to honor fallen deputies.
“These flags are more than a symbol — they are a promise that our fallen will never be forgotten,” the department said.
Never Forget. 🇺🇸
— Jeffco Sheriff (@jeffcosheriffco) May 11, 2025
Every May, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is encircled by a powerful tribute: American flags placed in solemn remembrance of our fallen deputies.
As National Police Week begins, we honor the brave deputies who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to… pic.twitter.com/3JTOE7xHiX
The city of El Paso also took time to honor its law enforcement community. The City Council issued a proclamation recognizing officers’ dedication and announced a Police Memorial ceremony to be held at Chuck Heinrich Park.
In honor of National Police Week, the El Paso City Council issued a Proclamation recognizing our law enforcement officers' dedication. Join us for the Police Memorial on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Chuck Heinrich Park, 9:00 AM. #PoliceWeek #ElPasoPolice #SupportOurOfficers #EPPD pic.twitter.com/CCYCrWd44R
— EL PASO POLICE DEPT (@EPPOLICE) May 13, 2025
Candlelight Vigil: ‘A promise to never forget’
One of the most solemn and powerful moments of National Police Week is the annual Candlelight Vigil, held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Thousands of officers, survivors and supporters gathered to honor those lost in the line of duty, their names spoken aloud as candlelight flickered in tribute.
This year marked the 37th vigil hosted by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), recognizing 345 fallen officers. Departments from across the country shared photos and reflections as their representatives stood in remembrance alongside fellow members of the law enforcement community.
Miami-Dade Officer Isabel McDonald shared her heart through poetry, as every attendee at the vigil read her poem, “When I Don’t Come Home One Day,” inside the official program for the ceremony.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard was also in attendance.
The Pasadena (California) Police Department’s Honor Guard participated in the ceremony, calling it a moving tribute to “officers across the nation.” The department also planned a local ceremony for Peace Officers Memorial Day.
“The #CandlelightVigil reminds us of their courage, their legacy and our promise to never forget,” tweeted Indianapolis Police Chief Chris Bailey.
Chief Brian Caloiaro (Ret.), senior manager of accreditation at Police1 and Lexipol, took part in the solemn honor of reading the names of fallen officers aloud.
“We remember them. We honor them. We will never forget.”
Agencies like Thornton (Colorado) PD and Bellevue (Washington) PD shared photos from the event, each reflecting on the collective strength of the law enforcement family.
This week, we’re honored to stand alongside fellow officers from across Colorado—and our neighbors at Westminster PD—in Washington, D.C. for #NationalPoliceWeek.
— Thornton Police Dept (@ThorntonPolice) May 14, 2025
Together, we pay tribute to the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. National… pic.twitter.com/WFJPUqAOhl
Police Unity Tour: ‘We ride for those who died’
The Police Unity Tour, a multi-day bicycle ride from New Jersey to Washington, D.C., brought more than 2,500 riders to the memorial.
The California Highway Patrol and Illinois State Police highlighted their participation, riding in honor of fallen officers.
“Each mile was ridden in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” the Illinois State Police shared.
𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 💙👮♂️🚨
— IllinoisStatePolice (@ILStatePolice) May 14, 2025
This week is National Police Week, a time when we remember fallen officers across the country and express our gratitude for ISP Troopers and all law enforcement officers who protect and serve every day.
Yesterday, an… pic.twitter.com/f0UwdEjcpT
NLEOMF posted, “We Ride For Those Who Died,” as riders were welcomed to the memorial grounds.
"We Ride For Those Who Died."
— National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (@NLEOMF) May 12, 2025
Earlier today, we welcomed riders from the @PoliceUnityTour ride-in from New Jersey to the Memorial.
Please join us in extending support to these riders and volunteers, without whom we could not fulfill our mission. 🌹💙 #PoliceWeek pic.twitter.com/oZ14XwUnfL
The Unity Tour not only raises awareness but also funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum. Riders and volunteers alike carry on the spirit of remembrance and camaraderie.
K-9 heroes remembered
This year’s National Police K-9 Memorial Service paid tribute to 22 K-9 officers who died in the line of duty in 2024. Among them was Lake County (Illinois) K-9 Dax, honored for his years of distinguished service alongside Deputy John Forlenza.
“K-9 Dax’s name is now etched into the National Law Enforcement K-9 Memorial, a lasting tribute to his bravery,” the Lake County Sheriff’s Office wrote.
Nampa (Idaho) Police Department’s K-9 Riddick, who was killed during a police pursuit, was also remembered. His handler, Officer Cody Huss, attended the ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Richland County (South Carolina) Sheriff’s Office was the only agency to lose multiple K-9s in 2024. K-9s Wick, Kodak and Bumi were honored in D.C. as their handlers placed roses in remembrance.
“We will never forget the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice,” the National Police Dog Foundation posted, sharing images from the rose-laying ceremony.
Peace Officers Memorial Day: Honoring courage and sacrifice
Observed each year on May 15, Peace Officers Memorial Day serves as a national tribute to the men and women in law enforcement who gave their lives in the line of duty. Originally proclaimed by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, the day anchors National Police Week with ceremonies and remembrances across the country.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) reminded Americans to pause and reflect:
“Let us honor the exceptional bravery and commitment of those who risk their lives to safeguard our communities.”
Today marks National Peace Officers Memorial Day. Let us honor the exceptional bravery and commitment of those who risk their lives to safeguard our communities.
— National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (@NLEOMF) May 15, 2025
Take a moment to thank those who have served and continue to serve as police officers. pic.twitter.com/5AsjpBuQUa
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department posted a video tribute, stating:
“We honor all peace officers across the United States who made the ultimate sacrifice … to all the families who lost a loved one, we will forever hold you in our hearts.”
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week.
— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) May 15, 2025
In observance of #peaceofficersmemorialday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department honors all peace officers across the… pic.twitter.com/ThQZ5jPJRt
In Washington, D.C., members of the Jacksonville (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office gathered to remember the 66 officers the agency has lost, including Corrections Officer Brad McNew, who died in the line of duty in October 2024. His family joined the department at the National Peace Officers Memorial Service.
“We thank all of our peace officers — past and present — who dedicate their lives to serving our community,” JSO shared.
𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐀𝐘
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) May 15, 2025
This week, some of our JSO family have been in Washington, D.C., for National Police Week. This includes the National Peace Officers Memorial Service and other events honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of… pic.twitter.com/jjvnToCpMI
The Cook County (Ill.) Sheriff’s Office also recognized its fallen, including Deputy Sheriff Rafael D. Wordlaw, during the Illinois Police Memorial.
“We pledge to #honorthefallen today and always,” the agency posted, joining local, state and federal partners in paying tribute.
On this #PeaceOfficersMemorialDay, we join forces with local, state, and federal agencies to honor our brave peace officers who gave their all in the line of duty. Our officers attended the Illinois Police Memorial to commemorate those lost in 2024, including our own Deputy… pic.twitter.com/RYEVH4oyk3
— Cook County Sheriff's Office (@CookSheriffIL) May 15, 2025
National leaders recognize police service
National Police Week also brought high-level recognition from government leaders.
Vice President J.D. Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance hosted law enforcement officials, including National Sheriffs’ Association President Sheriff Kieran Donahue and Fraternal Order of Police leaders, for a breakfast at their D.C. residence. The FOP described the meeting as an opportunity for “meaningful dialogue” about the challenges facing modern policing, including recruitment and officer safety.
Our National President Patrick Yoes, Vice President Joe Gamaldi, and Executive Director Jim Pasco had the honor of attending this morning’s Police Week Breakfast at the residence of Vice President J.D. Vance and Mrs. Vance.
— National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) (@GLFOP) May 14, 2025
The gathering was more than ceremonial—it was an… pic.twitter.com/ALWcCzHIpH
In honor of National Police Week, Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance hosted National Sheriffs' Association President Sheriff Kieran Donahue and law enforcement leaders from across the country for a breakfast at their Washington, D.C. residence. The gathering was a… pic.twitter.com/DrbJANuiFU
— National Sheriffs' Association (@NationalSheriff) May 14, 2025
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves shared his gratitude:
“In Mississippi, we proudly Back the Blue — because the brave men and women in law enforcement sacrifice every single day to keep us safe.”
It’s National Police Week.
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) May 13, 2025
In Mississippi, we proudly Back the Blue — because the brave men and women in law enforcement sacrifice every single day to keep us safe.
Be sure to thank a police officer this week! pic.twitter.com/YRF2KDEnY4
Texas Governor Greg Abbott echoed those sentiments during Peace Officers Memorial Day:
“These heroes represent the very best of Texas,” he posted. “We’ll always back the men and women who selflessly serve their communities in the line of duty.”
In Texas, we'll always back the men and women who selflessly serve their communities in the line of duty.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 15, 2025
This Peace Officers Memorial Day, we honor those whose bravery and valor led to the ultimate sacrifice.
These heroes represent the very best of Texas. pic.twitter.com/Q01mEbogR3
From coast to coast, this year’s Police Week was filled with moments of reflection, unity and gratitude. Agencies large and small paused to remember those who gave their lives in the line of duty and to support the families and colleagues they left behind. Whether through local ceremonies, national events or heartfelt tributes shared online, the message remained the same: We will never forget.
