WASHINGTON (WWJ) – The Westland Police Department's honor guard earned national attention over the weekend, performing the opening ceremony at a candlelight vigil in the nation's capital to kick off National Police Week.
It was considered historic, as it was the first time in the event's history that an agency other than the Federal Park Police conducted the opening ceremony.
More than 500 officers were honored for giving their lives in the name of service to their communities. Their names will be engraved in the walls of the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The full ceremony can be viewed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund YouTube page.
Started by president John F. Kennedy in 1962, Monday is National Peace Officers Memorial Day, with Police Week running through May 20.
Last year nearly 245 law enforcement officers across the country were killed in the line of duty, including Detroit police officer Loren Courts, who was shot and killed while responding to a call in early July.
Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard tells WWJ, "unfortunately," officer deaths in the line of duty are becoming more and more common, along with ambushes simply "because they're police officers."
"As we do with our military, our first responders, our brothers and sisters in fire service, those that go out there and put their life on the line knowing it may be the last day of their life for strangers, I think it's important to say we recognize that and we support you," Bouchard said of National Peace Officers Memorial Day.
Multiple law enforcement departments across the state have events planned this week to honor those killed in the line of duty.
