Unfortunately I knew people who are named on the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC. They died during tactical operations, handling explosive devices, and traffic accidents. They were husbands, fathers, brothers... and for me, friends.
According to the NLEOMF, there are over 900,000 sworn law enforcement officers currently in the United States. A total of 1671 officers died in the line of duty during the past 10 years, averaging one death every 53 hours.
For a bigger historical perspective, there are 18,274 federal, state and local law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty and whose names are engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
Writers frequently ask about protocols of law enforcement funerals, and this is a good month for reflection. Badges are covered with a shroud from the time of death until the officer is in their final resting place. Agents and officers from every state, local and federal agency will show respect in this small but significant way, even if they aren't able to attend the funeral. Flags are at half staff for the same time period.
Police funerals are full of traditions, including bagpipes, riderless horses, and 21 gun salutes. Pause over the pictures for more information.
The multi-agency honor guard will stay with the officer. After family and friends depart the service, the officer continues to travel through a wall of honor until the final resting place. Motorcades can last for miles, and no matter the size of the venue for the service, there will be an overflow crowd that can number from hundreds to thousands.
The last thing that happens in every police funeral I've attended, is the playing of the final dispatch call. I don't have one to share, but I'll write it out for you. It's a powerful moment. Let's assume the officer's badge number is 1350. "Base to 1350" means the dispatcher is requesting the officer to respond.
DISPATCHER: Base to 1350
DISPATCHER: Base to 1350
DISPATCHER: 1350. Gone, but not forgotten.
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