South San Francisco, CA May 11, 2021 Press Release
As we join those in our country in hopes and prayers that safe bridges will be built between police and the communities they serve, we also take this time to remember those who served with integrity and dedication and for those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
National Police Week recognizes the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement officers. In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, as National Police Week.
“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,” said Mayor Mark Addiego. “This week is a time to recognize and honor America’s law enforcement community.”
National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring America’s law enforcement community. The principal organizers of National Police Week are:
- National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), which produces the annual Candlelight Vigil.
- Fraternal Order of Police/Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary (FOP/FOPA), which organizes the Peace Officers Memorial Day Service at the U.S. Capitol.
- Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), which holds the National Police Survivors’ Conference.
During National Police Week, Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) promotes blue ribbons tied on car antennas as a reminder to the public that many law enforcement officers have paid the ultimate price and given their lives in the line of duty. It is also to honor those officers who, day and night, stand guard in our communities.
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund will host a Virtual Candlelight Vigil on May 13 at 8:00 p.m. to memorialize the 22,611 officers killed in the line of duty. Due to Covid-19, this year the host organizations of National Police Week have postponed in-person events in Washington D.C. until October 13-17, 2021.
The South San Francisco Police Department pays tribute to Officer Arthur William Moyle, the first and only police officer to be killed in the line of duty in South San Francisco on May 4, 1953. Visit the Officer Arthur William Moyle Memorial page here.
The South San Francisco Police Department currently has 83 sworn officers, with a total of 120 staff working to protect the residents of South San Francisco.