FLETC Ceremony Honors Fallen Graduates

GLYNCO, GA - Yesterday, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) held its annual Graduates Memorial Day Ceremony at its headquarters in Glynco, Georgia. This solemn event is dedicated to honoring the memory of law enforcement officers and agents who graduated from a FLETC basic training program and lost their lives in the line of duty.

The ceremony serves as a tribute not only to those who have fallen in the past year, but also to all FLETC graduates whose names are permanently inscribed on the Graduates Memorial. This year, the names of four additional heroes were added to the Memorial, reflecting the continued sacrifices made by members of the law enforcement community. When the Memorial was first established, it consisted of a three-paneled wall engraved with the names of 23 FLETC graduates who had made the ultimate sacrifice. Over the years, the Memorial has grown, and today it bears the names of 348 fallen graduates, representing the profound cost of public service since FLETC's founding in 1970.

The four individuals honored this year were members of three FLETC partner organizations: the Federal Bureau of Prisons (U.S. Department of Justice), the U.S. Border Patrol (U.S. Department of Homeland Security), and the Federal Protective Service (U.S. Department of Homeland Security). Each of these agencies plays a critical role in safeguarding the nation, and the loss of their personnel is deeply felt across the law enforcement community.

The ceremony was hosted by Mr. Benjamine C. Huffman, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary for Management at the United States Department of Homeland Security. Mr. Huffman delivered heartfelt remarks, paying tribute to the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of the fallen officers and agents.

The Honorable Markwayne Mullin, United States Secretary of Homeland Security, graciously provided a video message, as he was unable to attend in person. "These four individuals paid the ultimate sacrifice. There is no greater love than giving your life to protect other people and our communities. The names inscribed on the Memorial will never be forgotten," said Secretary Mullin.

FLETC remains committed to honoring the memory of its fallen graduates and ensuring that their service is never forgotten. The phrase "We will never forget" underscores the law enforcement community's enduring commitment to remembering and honoring those who gave their lives in service to others.

A component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FLETC's mission is to train and support the training of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers and international partners that are responsible for enforcing laws, treaties, and regulations within the United States and abroad.

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