Graphic of a blue block spacer
Graphic of the FBI Seal and U.S. Flag
 
Graphic link to FBI Priorities
Graphic link to About Us
Graphic link to Press Room
Graphic link to What We Investigate
Graphic link to Counterterrorism
Graphic link to Intelligence Program
Graphic link to Most Wanted
Graphic link to Your Local FBI Office
Graphic link to Law Enforcement Services
Graphic link to Reports and Publications
Graphic link to FBI History
Graphic link to For the Family
Graphic link to Freedom Of Iinformation Act Library / Requests
Graphic link to Employment
Graphic link to How Do I...?
Graphic link to Search

Graphic link to Homepage

 

Graphic link to Submit a Tip
Graphic link to Apply Today
Graphic link to Links
Graphic link to Contact Us
Graphic link to Site Map
Graphic link to Privacy Policy
Headline Archives
 

NATIONAL POLICE WEEK, May 9-15, 2004
Director Mueller Honors "Extraordinary Accomplishments by Extraordinary People"

05/13/04

Photograph of the 1996 wreath laying ceremony at the National Memorial commemorating the following fallen FBI Special Agents"Police Week" in May is always marked by grief and joy. It's a time when communities across America put names and faces to the people who protect them, honoring acts of special courage and paying tribute to their officers who have been killed in the line of duty. And it's a time when families of law enforcement officers come together and draw strength from each other, because they all live, day in and day out, with the difficult fact that their loved one has chosen a dangerous profession.

In Washington, DC, the celebration is emotional and profoundly moving. For the thousands of law enforcement families who come to Washington, there is a candlelight vigil at the National Memorial, where the names of over 16,600 fallen officers are inscribed. There are award ceremonies. Ceremonial wreath layings. Seminars for the survivors of officers who died in the line of duty. Marches and services filled with police, sheriffs, FBI and other federal agents.

Today, May 13, as part of the week's events, Director Mueller had the honor of addressing the Officer of the Month Awards Luncheon. Twelve awards were given to officers or teams of officers for extraordinary service over the course of the year--each with a personal story that goes to the heart of protecting people and keeping communities safe.

In Director Mueller's words, "This afternoon, we are honoring these officers for their courage shown in the line of duty. Courage that let them risk death in a blazing fire to save a frightened elderly woman. Courage that drove them to pursue cop killers for their entire careers in the name of justice.

"We are also honoring these individuals for their actions -- actions which have sometimes brought them personal injury. Actions such as chasing and then tackling carjackers and thieves even though they were seriously wounded themselves. Overcoming paralyzing injuries and returning to their departments to continue to serve their communities. Battling fires, drug dealers, and cancer all at the same time – and beating all three. Or going into deadly situations armed only with words, and getting shot in the midst of those negotiation efforts.

"In addition to these remarkable individuals, we are honoring teams who have produced successes far beyond their size. Who have trained thousands of officers in the D.A.R.E. program and, through them, have reached millions of children with anti-drug messages. Who, at significant personal risk, have recovered hundreds of stolen vehicles and arrested thousands of car thieves and other criminals.

"We are honoring soldiers in law enforcement who have served on the front lines of the war on terrorism. Soldiers who have fought anthrax attacks. Captured fugitive serial bombers responsible for terrorizing the nation. Subdued a man holding a grenade, then took that grenade and held it in his bare hands until the bomb squad arrived."

We hope you will take just a moment tonight, during the Candlelight Vigil, to remember the officers in your community who put their lives on the line every day--they will be so appreciative.

Pictured is the 1996 wreath laying ceremony at the National Memorial commemorating the following fallen FBI Special Agents: Michael John Miller, Martha Dixon-Martinez, and William Christian, Jr.

Link: Read the complete speech.

Headline Archives

2004
-
January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August

- September

2003
-
July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December