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
