Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country Honored During 37th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.
(Article is from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund webpage https://nleomf.org/)
The names of 345 law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty to be honored and officially added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 2, 2025) – The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund has formally announced that there are 345 names of U.S. law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty and will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in 2025. The names will be engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the month of April and properly dedicated during the 37th Annual Candlelight Vigil held on the National Mall between 4th and 7th streets in Washington, DC, at 8:00 pm on May 13, 2025.
The 2025 “Roll Call of Heroes” features the names of official Line-of-Duty Fallen Heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. This includes 148 federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement officers who died in the line-of-duty in 2024, along with previous years where cases have been approved by NLEOMF’s research department. The total number of line-of-duty deaths in 2024 represents a 25% increase in officer deaths compared to 2023.
After thorough research and approval by the names committee, 197 officers who died in previous years – before 2024 – will also have their names inscribed this year. Their sacrifice is now being recognized after the Memorial Fund’s research staff confirmed the circumstances of their death and their record of law enforcement service.
“As we gather once more to honor our fallen officers, we’re reminded not only of the lives they gave, but of the unwavering devotion that led them to serve,” said William Alexander, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “Their courage and selflessness continue to guide us—they embody the very spirit of law enforcement. This solemn moment is a time to grieve, to remember, and to ensure that we carry their legacy forward with gratitude and purpose.”
Each May 13th, during National Police Week, an estimated 30,000 people attend the Candlelight Vigil ceremony in Washington, D.C., including surviving family members, friends, law enforcement colleagues, and others. The event brings people together from across the country to honor the officers and be surrounded by strength in remembering their service and ultimate sacrifice.
With these additions, there will now be 24,412 officers’ names engraved on the Memorial, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, federal law enforcement, and campus and military police agencies.
(Editor’s Note: The below link will allow you to watch the entire recorded vigil. Brig Gen Brian Filler appears at 1:38:08 to read the names of the 11 Defenders whose names were added to the memorial. Also see the cover of the Apr-Jun 2025 Security Forces Magazine and article on page 16 for the pictures and back story from the Eagle Chapter.) https://youtu.be/5ALpizgnNz8
324th Training Squadron Dedicates Training Complex to Fallen Airman
By Logan Steele, 37th Training Wing Public Affairs, 8 April 2025
Defenders from the 324th Training Squadron and the 802nd Security Forces Squadron stand at a memorial to honor Airman First Class Elizabeth Jacobson April 4, 2025, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Jacobson was the first Defender killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 324th Training Squadron complex was dedicated with a memorial in her honor. (U.S. Air Force photo by Vanessa R. Adame)
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
The 324th Training Squadron held a remembrance ceremony and building dedication in honor of Airman 1st Class Elizabeth N. Jacobson at Joint base San Antonio-Lackland on April 4.
The ceremony and dedication memorialized Jacobson by officially renaming the 324th Training Squadron Complex to the Jacobson Training Complex and culminated in the unveiling of a plaque dedicating the building to her and her legacy. Jacobson’s family was in attendance.
“There’s no more important building to dedicate to a fallen Airman than a training complex here at Basic Military Training,” said Lt. Col. Charles Dieterle, 324th TRS commander, during the ceremony. “This is a foundational place where all Airmen learn about the Air Force.”
Jacobson was a security forces Airman who answered the call of duty in 2003 and started her career as a trainee in the 324th TRS. On Sept. 28, at the age of 21, Jacobson was killed by an
improvised explosive device while providing security on a convoy in Iraq. She was the first security forces Airman killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lt. Col. Robert Chance, commander of the 343rd Training Squadron and Chief Master Sgt. Wes Lawrence, Senior Enlisted Leader of the 343rd Training Squadron present a gift to the family of
Airman First Class Elizabeth Jacobson, April 4, 2025, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Jacobson was the first Defender killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 324th Training Squadron complex was dedicated in her honor with a memorial. (U.S. Air Force photo by Vanessa R. Adame)
The ceremony focused on Jacobson’s legacy and impact at the 324th TRS. Her story continues to be part of the identity and culture of the training squadron, being taught to every trainee that is assigned there, serving as a shining example of the qualities that all Airmen should strive for.
“Elizabeth’s legacy continues to inspire and remind us of what values she embodied,” said Chief Master Sgt. Tiffany Jackson-Foster, 324th TRS senior enlisted leader, during her remarks, “Her discipline, dedication, and grit serves as a beacon of strength and honor for all of us to follow.”
Jacobson's awards and decorations included the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Combat Action Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Iraq Campaign Medal.
Fort Worth is Annual Meeting Host City
By Terry Ferguson, CMSgt (ret) and Andrew Corso, Col (ret)
The Billie Renfroe Chapter proudly invites all members to this year’s Annual National Meeting in our neck of the woods and enjoy some Cowtown hospitality.
THIS YEAR’S ANNUAL MEETING will be held at the Dallas/Fort Worth Marriott Hotel & Golf Club at Champions Circle near Texas Motor Speedway from 20-24 August. The theme this year is Cowtown Round-up. We have a great experience in-store for you this year, starting on Wednesday, with the small batch tour. One of the scheduled stops is of course to the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Thursday, we will host the CMSgt Howard Redd Memorial Golf Tournament right at the same property as the Annual Meeting. Thursday night will be our traditional Meet-and-Great. Friday, we will kick off the Annual Meeting followed by a tour of Lockhead Martin (F-35) or The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (TBD). Saturday, we’ll complete our Annual Meeting followed by our banquet that evening. Sunday will be our morning prayer and remembrance. That would conclude this year’s events.
Planning Your Fort Worth National Meeting Trip
By Robin Younk, Billie Renfroe Chapter Treasurer
As the Treasurer for the Billie Renfro Chapter of the AFSFA, I would like to welcome y’all to COWTOWN and the 39th Air Force Security Forces Association Annual Meeting in Fort Worth, Texas!
I am so pleased to be able to share with you some great sites that all visitors to the city must see along with area shopping, museums, and a few extras! Fort Worth won my heart in the late 90’s and I have called the area home for 22 years now. Fort Worth isn’t huge but getting around to the great places will take 20- 30 minutes most drives. We all know August is our hottest month so start hydrating now for the fun ahead, we are all cops so you know the program!
#1 The first must see and at the top of the list is the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Fort Worth is where the West begins. Western heritage embodies the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. Go enjoy the original brick walkways, the wooden corrals, take a picture on a longhorn, have a drink at one of the many saloons, grab some BBQ or a great steak, shop for your western attire, or just buy a great souvenir at the many shops. Don’t miss the cattle drive with the Fort Worth Herd twice daily, right down the center of the street at 11:30am and 4:00pm!
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