The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) of Washington, DC, the Fraternal Order of Police DC Lodge #1, and the DC Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors hosted the 36th Annual Washington Area Police Memorial Service at MPD’s Headquarters in downtown DC with Brianne Carter of ABC/WILA-TV, as master of ceremonies.
This annual service recognizes the work of all DC Metro area law enforcement officers. Special recognition was given to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in 2014, including Corporal Jamel Clagett and Sergeant Clinton Jeffrey Holtz.
Following the presentation of colors and the national anthem, introductory remarks were given by District of Columbia Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier, followed by remarks from District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser and guest speaker Heather Fong, Assistant Secretary of the Office of State and Local Law at the US Department of Homeland Security. Representatives from the Charles County (MD) Sheriff’s Office and United States Capitol Police spoke about their officers lost in the past year, which was followed by a solemn roll call of fallen heroes from the DC Metro area.
Survivors, law enforcement officers and friends placed blue roses along the edge of the fountain at the Washington Law Enforcement Memorial as the names of the fallen were read. As a special tribute, an MPD helicopter conducted a ceremonial fly-over at the end of the service.
The names of the officers honored at the service today will be dedicated on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial at the 27th Annual Candlelight Vigil this Sunday, May 13 at 8:00 pm, along with 273 other officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
For more information about National Police Week 2015, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.LawMemorial.org/PoliceWeek.