United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller Recognizes the Law Enforcement Community During National Police Week

SHREVEPORT- In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. The week is observed May 10 through May 16, 2026.

"During National Police Week, we pause to honor the courageous men and women of law enforcement who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities-and especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty," said United States Attorney Keller. "Our Office and community are deeply grateful for the unwavering commitment of our local, state, and federal officers who keep us safe while serving with integrity, courage, and honor."

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche kicked off National Police Week 2026 by hosting a breakfast at the Department of Justice to honor law enforcement officers and their families, emphasizing a message of "we love law enforcement". He celebrated their daily work, stating that the week is meant to honor the fallen while recognizing those who "keep us safe every day".

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe.

In 2025, there were 111 federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement officers that died in the line of duty., representing 25% decrease from the 148 deaths in 2024. Of those officers who died, 53 were feloniously killed. There were 44 firearm related incidents, 34 from traffic related deaths and 33 other causes including health-related, etc. Demographically, the average age of fallen officers was 44, with an average of 14 years of service. Five of those officers who died in the line of duty were from Louisiana.

For National Police Week 2026Links to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link., a total of 363 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers MemorialLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. in Washington, D.C.

On today, May 13, 2026, 109 names of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty during 2025 will be formally dedicated during the 38th Annual Candlelight VigilLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. held in Washington, D.C. You can view it livestream:

• YouTube: YouTube.com/NLEOMFLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link.

• Facebook: Facebook.com/NLEOMFLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link.

• LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/company/national-law-enforcement-officers-memorial-fundLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Louisiana at https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

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