Fallen Police Officers To Be Honored Sunday

HARTFORD — Flags will continue to fly at half-staff Sunday to honor the men and women who died while serving their communities in law enforcement.

Gov. Ned Lamont announced the directive Friday morning, requiring that all U.S. and state flags in Connecticut remain flying at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday.

The flags are being lowered in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day, which is a national holiday similar to the traditional Memorial Day holiday that pays homage to fallen military servicepersons.

Peace Officers Memorial Day honors local, state and federal law enforcement personnel who have died in the line of duty and it is part of National Police Week.

"We honor and salute every law enforcement officer who has given their life in the line of duty, Lamont said. "Their memories will not be forgotten, and we thank them for their dedication. We also must continue to show our respect for the families of law enforcement officers, who make many sacrifices over the course of their loved one’s call to service.”

The half-staff declaration for Peace Officers Memorial Day is mostly ceremonial, as flags are also currently at half-staff in remembrance of the one million American lives lost to COVID-19, a grim milestone reached earlier this week.

Lamont said flags should remain lowered for this purpose through sunset on Monday, May 16.
Honoring fallen law enforcement personnel is the main thrust behind the declaration.

“People who make the decision to enter a career of law enforcement do so out of a sense of duty to protect the people of their communities from harm, and in doing so they often put their own lives in danger to protect the lives of complete strangers," Lamont said. "There’s not a single person in our state whose life has not been impacted in some way by a police officer, whether they know it or not."

Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said honoring fallen law enforcers is something that shouldn't be remembered on just a remembrance day, but every day.

“Law enforcement officials work diligently every day, many times putting themselves in harm’s way, to enforce our laws and manage public safety. These men and women work day in and day out, dedicating their lives to ensuring safety in our communities and protecting the lives of others. They epitomize what it means to be a public servant," she said.
"It is especially important to remember those who have lost their lives while serving and protecting our Connecticut community and our country. Their heroism will not be forgotten, and we must honor them on Peace Officers Memorial Day and every day.”

To read the full bulletin from the governor's office, click here.