Blue Line Memorial: Yakima to Honor Fallen Heroes This Thursday

This is National Police week established by a joint resolution of congress in 1962 to pay special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

A SPECIAL CEREMONY IN PLANNED IN YAKIMA ON THURSDAY

Yakima Police Capt. Jay Seely says Peace Officers Memorial Day is Wednesday, May 15.
The Yakima Police Department is inviting community to a special ceremony Thursday, May 16 at Yakima's Sarg Hubbard Park. The event starts at 4:00 p.m. The department will honor all of the officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service of communities around the country.

YAKIMA POLICE HONOR FALLEN OFFICERS

Members of the Yakima Police Honor Guard Traditionally this week place a memorial wreath and display a poster with the names of law enforcement officers and K-9 officers who died in the line of duty.

WE'VE SEEN A DECLINE IN THOSE OFFICERS KILLED BUT AN INCREASE IN ASSAULTS

Over the last three years the FBI says there was a decline in Police Officers killed but more have been assaulted. The study says 194 officers were killed during the three year period which is the highest in two decades. Guns were the most common weapon used against the Officers.

PRESIDENT JOHN KENNEDY FIRST PROCLAIMED THE DAY IN 1962

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week.
Last year in the U.S. 138 Law Enforcement Officers died in the line of duty, one in Washington State. 48 of the Officers were killed by gunfire 23 died in vehicle crashes.