This past year was unlike any that law enforcement — and the nation — has ever seen before. Between COVID-19, senseless attacks on police and an onslaught of tragic incidents, 2020 was the deadliest year in law enforcement history. While law enforcement may have gotten knocked down harder than ever last year, we will stand strong and proud with our brothers and sisters in blue for National Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15 and during National Police Week from May 9 to 15.

Like it did last year, COVID-19 is causing us to honor our fallen heroes a little differently. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will host its 33rd annual Candlelight Vigil virtually on May 13 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time to honor those we lost. To light a virtual candle after making a donation of your choosing, please click here. The event will be livestreamed on the NLEOMF’s Facebook, YouTube and Twitter accounts.

Other National Police Week events will also take place virtually, with the focus this year being on officer safety and wellness. Daily morning workouts, a suicide prevention program and a live unveiling of a unique art installation honoring law enforcement made entirely out of Legos are all things you don’t want to miss. The full schedule can be found on the NLEOMF website.

Please note that in-person events are also planned to take place from October 13­ to 17 in Washington, D.C., which will offer the same respect and remembrance while also allowing the law enforcement community to once again come together to pay tribute to those who gave their all.

This solemn time is an important reminder to reflect on those of our own who we lost too soon, including Los Angeles Park Ranger Captain Albert E. Torres (EOW: October 12, 2019) and Los Angeles Airport Police Officer Tommy Scott, who tragically lost his life 16 years ago on April 30. In 2020, we also lost countless brave California peace officers, who will now be added to the state and national memorials and have their legacies immortalized forever.