Police Heroes
Police heroes come in many forms. On the Police Heroes topic page, we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the mission to protect their communities.
A second act in service: A retired police chief’s promise to serve before, during and after the call
Michael Begonis, Verizon Frontline’s chief of staff and Police1 Got Your Six list honoree, is being celebrated during Police Week for his role in helping law enforcement agencies prepare for, respond to, and recover from crisis
Officer Isabel McDonald wrote a poem to help families find comfort and closure in the words their loved ones can no longer say
Poet Michael Marks pens a moving tribute to the men and women of law enforcement
Police Officer Jared Desalvo opened his home to the small dog, now named Hudson, after rescuing her from frigid river water
“[The officers’] decisive actions and commitment to protecting the lives of others exemplify the very best of our profession,” Clark Police Captain Miguel Acabou said
Tributes ranged from the Police Unity Tour to K-9 memorial services, with federal and local leaders reaffirming support for law enforcement
“They woke up each and every morning. They put on their uniforms. They said goodbye to their loved ones. And they stepped into the unknown,” Vice President JD Vance said
“I was proud to be his handler,” said Sgt. Powell, who shared the emotional story of K-9 Coba’s sacrifice during the National Police K-9 Memorial Service
Trooper Richard Albert was approaching a vehicle he had stopped for speeding when a suspect suddenly pointed a handgun out of the window and began firing
From the Candlelight Vigil to the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service, here are the key events taking place in Washington, D.C. during Police Week
Do you have a leader within your department that’s capable of turning your team into an elite unit? Try looking in the mirror
In 2010, Detective Sgt. Jeff Sheaman was credited with helping 3-year-old David Lew avoid hypothermia after he was soaked by a storm while his family was boating
The ambush killings of Officers Anthony Wallace and Matthew Tokuoka gave recruits a sobering introduction to the reality of sacrifice in policing
The memorial features the names of over 23,000 officers engraved on its curved marble walls
The museum is located across the street from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., allowing visitors to explore both in one visit
Events will be held in-person in our nation’s capital, but there are still plenty of ways you can virtually observe and participate
West York Patrolman Andrew W. Duarte was fatally struck by another officer’s gunfire as they shot and killed man who was holding a nurse hostage at gunpoint
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department released an hour-long documentary about the incident, while the community gathered to hold a memorial stair climb
Kelly Davis is more than just the team’s safety manager — players turn to him for personal advice, and to hear stories from his 28 years in the Chicago PD
Port Authority Police Officer Tore McCarthy, who survived late-stage colon cancer, graduated from the agency’s emergency services academy
DJ, who has battled cancer since 2018, was sworn into more than 200 law enforcement agencies during a single ceremony in Berkeley, Missouri
Each year on January 9, communities across the United States take time to recognize the men and women who keep our neighborhoods safe. Here’s how you can participate
“Officer John Rivera was a dedicated public servant ... and his senseless death left a hole in our hearts,” State Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke stated
Dawson County Deputy Jessie Perez had served with the sheriff’s office for eight months; he also served with the volunteer fire department and as an EMT
National Police Week finds its roots in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed Proclamation 3466, designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day
From a very early age, Boston Police Officer Dennis “D.J.” Simmonds wanted to be a hero
Toft Jessen, a WWII veteran and possibly the oldest living retired officer in the U.S., was honored for a career that included surviving a 1970 ambush and serving 37 years with Oakland PD
The loss of K-9 Fury was a heartbreaking reminder that tragedy can strike without warning — and that every agency must be ready to lead through the aftermath
“If I have cancer and I can do it, then so can he,” said Springboro Police Department Officer Megan Graham, who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2024
Stranded in a flood and swept off her feet, this Tennessee trooper showed what true service looks like — even after the rescue
“His swift, decisive action likely prevented a much more serious incident and protected everyone in the area from potential harm,” the Stockbridge PD stated
“The driver had a serious leg injury and was unable to get any further away from the fire,” South Brunswick police chief Raymond Hayducka said
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