EAST BRIDGEWATER — Chief Paul O’Brien and the East Bridgewater Police Department are honoring fallen officers from near and far during National Police Week this week.
National Police Week takes place this year from May 9-15 and is observed across the country as a way to honor local, state and federal law enforcement officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.
In honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day on Saturday, May 15, East Bridgewater Police will join agencies nationwide in flying its flags at half-staff to honor officers who have given their lives in service to their communities.
“Police officers put their lives on the line whenever they start their shift, and we would like to take the time to honor and remember those brave men and women who we lost in the line of duty,” Chief O’Brien said. “The East Bridgewater Police Department joins our colleagues from the region, the state and across the country in commemorating National Police Week this week.”
Every year, between 25,000-40,000 law enforcement officers from around the world would normally gather in Washington, D.C. to pay their respects during a number of planned events. Though this year’s in-person events are cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a candlelight vigil will be held virtually on Thursday, May 13 at 8 p.m. to memorialize those who sacrificed all for their communities.
A total of 362 officers were killed in the line of duty in 2020 and 119 have been killed so far in 2021.
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