In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Currently, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. (policeweek.org) Events included the National Peace Officers Memorial Service, a Candlelight Vigil, and numerous seminars.
North Reading Police Officer Michael Marra traveled to DC last week to attend Police Week along with two close friends, Officer Ron Ruggerio (Harwich PD) and Officer Rob Tanso (MGH PD). Officer Marra previously worked with both Officers Ruggerio and Tanso at the Massachusetts General Hospital Police Department.
“This year was a fitting year to attend Police Week for the first time as the loss of two officers from Massachusetts in 2018 remains close in memory. (Sgt. Sean Gannon Yarmouth Police & Sgt. Michael Chesna Weymouth Police) The trip was filled with opportunity to reflect upon, honor and pay tribute to the 158 fellow officers who died in the line of duty in 2018. Attendance to the National Police Museum, Memorial Wall, Candlelight Vigil and National Peace Officer’s Memorial were quite humbling.
The fun, laughter and camaraderie of being amongst fellow police officers from all over the country was a refreshing reminder of the true brotherhood that exists within this profession. Truly a unique experience, it was an honor to be able to attend, make new friends and pay honor to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.” Officer Michael Marra
Fact: The National Law Enforcement Memorial features a reflection pool and walkways in a 3-acre park. Those walkways are framed by the walls which bear the engraved names of all U.S. law enforcement officers, federal, state and local who have died in the line of duty. Currently there are 21,910 names engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Memorial.