Since 1962, the week surrounding National Peace Officers Memorial Day has been recognized around the country as National Police Week. Joining other municipalities around the country, The Metropolitan King County Council is recognizing May 15-21 in honor of law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting others in the line of duty.

“I am reminded every year, when we recognize our first responders, of the ultimate sacrifice that some have made to protect us all,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, sponsor of the recognition. “Every officers’ commitment and dedication on a daily basis does so much for our safety and quality of life. I am grateful for their service and I know that the citizens of King County are also.”

There are approximately 900,000 law enforcement officers currently in the U.S. Since the first recorded death in 1791, over 20,000 law enforcement officers—representing cities, counties, states, and federal agencies in the United States—have died in the line of duty.

“This week we remember the sacrifices of those in law enforcement who have fallen in the line of duty while working for the safety of others,” said Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn. “It is a privilege and an honor to be a part of recognizing their service.”

4,000 men and women are in law enforcement in King County serving 39 cities, three Tribal Governments, the University of Washington, and nearly 250,000 residents living in unincorporated communities. Since King County Deputy Wesley Cherry’s death in 1853, 95 county-based officers have made the ultimate sacrifice, with 16 of those officers working in the King County Sheriff’s Office. In addition, King County Sheriff’s K-9 Officer Jimmy, who died last April, has also been recognized.

“For one week every year our nation recognizes those police officers that have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said King County Sheriff John Urquhart.  “It is my pleasure to join the King County Council in honoring the memory of those who have given their life in the line of duty.  We will never forget.”

Each year, Washington State adds names of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty to the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial in Olympia. The name of three officers were added to the memorial on May 6, 2016:

• Officer Rick Silva, Chehalis Police Department, who passed away on July 18, 2015,
• Trooper Brent Hanger, Washington State Patrol, who passed away August 6, 2015,
• and Deputy James Bennett of the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, who passed away July 14, 1911.