Napolitano notes National Police Week

05/13/2011 07:00 AM EDT

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today joined U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Alan Bersin and other Department of Homeland Security officials to commemorate National Police Week at the CBP Valor Memorial Service—honoring the memory of the fallen, and paying tribute to the DHS law enforcement personnel who serve the nation each day.

“National Police Week is a time to reflect on all that we ask of law enforcement, and all that law enforcement provides in return,” said Secretary Napolitano. “It is also a time to rededicate ourselves to the cause for which these fallen officers served – the protection of our country, upholding the rule of law, and the pursuit of justice.”

At today’s ceremony, Secretary Napolitano and Commissioner Bersin honored the memory of seven individuals added this year to the memorial wall, as well as two Border Patrol agents who died on Thursday, May 12, in a tragic accident in the Yuma Sector of Arizona by laying a wreath and observing a moment of silence. Secretary Napolitano also paid tribute to the men and women of CBP, the U.S. Coast Guard, and all our law enforcement partners who have given their lives in service to our nation.

This week, Secretary Napolitano and other Department leadership commemorated National Police Week at events throughout Washington, D.C. On Tuesday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director John Morton held a memorial ceremony at ICE Headquarters and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. On Thursday, Secretary Napolitano joined President Obama and Vice President Biden in the White House Rose Garden to honor the National Association of Police Organizations Top Cops.

Later this evening, Secretary Napolitano will join U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Chairman and CEO Craig W. Floyd and other law enforcement leaders at the 23rd Annual Candlelight Vigil to honor fallen law enforcement officers. During the vigil, Secretary Napolitano will deliver remarks and join officials in the lighting of candles to honor the memory of the 316 fallen law enforcement officers being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year. For more information, click here.

On Sunday, Secretary Napolitano will deliver remarks at the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) 30th Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service, where she will join FOP National President Chuck Canterbury and leaders from the Administration and Congress on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol to honor the nation’s law enforcement community and commend the heroic efforts of our men and women in uniform who work every day to ensure the safety and security of our communities.

National Police Week honors the men and women at the local, state and federal level who serve on the frontlines protecting the safety and security of American communities.

###