Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted 1997
FOREWORD
—excerpts from speech given at Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony
Clarksburg, West Virginia, May 14, 1998
We must realize that law enforcement officers face danger on a daily basis. Since 1988, nearly 700 law enforcement officers throughout the country have been slain in the line of duty, another 629 have been killed in duty-related accidents, and over 600,000 officers have been assaulted. While progress is being made in fighting crime, violence remains a serious threat to those who have sworn to protect society.Yet, even with the challenges facing law enforcement, brave men and women continue to join these ranks and swear to work each day to preserve the peace and improve the safety of towns and cities across America. Whether a seasoned veteran or a rookie just out of training, these heroic men and women, and their fallen colleagues whom we honor today, come from many different backgrounds. However, they are linked by a common ideal— that freedom is worth defending and that justice shall prevail...
Some people in the United States say that heroes are people that win World Series titles, or Super Bowl championships, or the Stanley Cup. I disagree. The men and women we honor here today were larger-than-life heroes in every sense of the word. They fought and died for the strongly held principles of law and order. Their sacrifice has made a difference to each and everyone of us. For those who died to uphold these beliefs, and for those who still stand to protect them, we salute you.
James V. DeSarno, Jr.
Assistant Director in Charge
Criminal Justice Information Services Division
Federal Bureau of Investigation