May 11, 2020
Each
year, during National Police Week, law enforcement agencies across the country
honor those who have given their lives in the line of duty.
This
year’s observance is May 10 through May 16.
This
year, the Richmond Police Department will not hold public events due to
COVID-19. The Department will record a video of a condensed version of the
Police Memorial Service which will be posted to social media and the Department
website. There will be other events throughout the week which will also pay
homage to those who have fallen in the line of duty through the years.
“On
this, our 2020 Police Memorial Week, the Richmond Police Department is honoring
the sacrifices of officers who have given the ultimate price in service to our
city,” said Chief William C. Smith. “This year, we add the names of 10
officers who were killed in the Capitol disaster of 1870. Unfortunately, due to
the pandemic, we are not being joined by families. I want them to know,
however, that we honor their sacrifice and will always carry them in our
thoughts, regardless of the challenges we face. I hope and ask for everyone to
remain safe and that we weather this pandemic as a strong community that relies
on one another.”
The following events will mark National
Police Week:
· 10 a.m.,
Wednesday, May 13
– RPD releases Police Memorial Event video
· 8 p.m., Wednesday,
May 13
– Virtual Candlelight Vigil from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
which includes comments from Chief William C. Smith: https://LawMemorial.org/VirtualCandlelightVigil
· Social media posts
throughout the week
