Natick Officers Attend Memorial to Honor Those Lost in the Line of Duty

In the past year, 273 in law enforcement have lost their lives in the line of duty. Their names will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, as part of National Police Week.

President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15, in 1962, as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week that surrounds it as National Police Week, which is May 10-16 this year.

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund this was “established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.”

As part of the memorial, four Natick police officers are spending the week in Washington DC to attend the ceremonies to “show support to those we lost and their families,” said Lt. Cara Rossi-Cafarelli.

On Tuesday, May 19, Natick holds its fifteenth annual Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony, which takes place at 10 a.m. in front of the Natick Police Station. The ceremony consists of a flag raising at half-staff and a calling of the roll for all deceased members of the Natick Police Department. In addition, the newest names added to the Natick memorial in front of the station will be added, and color guards from area towns and Natick police officers march to a rifle squad salute.

Ed Davis, former superintendent of Boston PD, is the guest speaker. The collation follows in the bays of the fire station, followed by refreshments.

“This is an event that we are very proud of,” said Lt. Rossi-Cafarelli. “This is our 15th year and it gets better every time! All are welcome. It’s very impressive and very meaningful.”

Here is the schedule of events for National Police Week.

Photo via National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund