Remembering Our Protector (NAPSA)—With the annual numberof violent crimes declining by 35 percent since it peaked at four million in 1998, it is safe to say we owe a debt of gratitude to America’s more than 870,000 sworn law enforcement officers. On Monday, May 15th, Peace Officers Memorial Day, Americans can show their appreciation and respect for the brave men and women who protect our property and our lives—sometimes at the expense of their own. Government agencies, businesses andprivate citizens should fly the American flag at half-staff on Monday, May 15, Peace Officers Memorial Day. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF)saysthis is a special tribute honoring the more than 17,000 American law enforcement officers who have made the ultimatesacrifice. In 2006, 466 names will be added to the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. Of this total, 155 law enforcementofficers were killed in 2005, and 311 others died in prior years. “Approximately every 53 hours a law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty. Since the first recorded law enforcement officer death in 1792, more than 17,000 law enforcement officers have Show your respect for fallen police officers by flying your American flag at half-mast on May 15, Peace Officers Memorial Day. The NLEOMF is a nonprofit organization established to commemorate the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers and to provide information that will help promote law enforcement safety. Throughout the year, citizens can work with NLEOMF in the following ways to help keep our law enforcementofficers safe: Urge lawmakers to ensure more officers are issued bulletproof vests and similar safety equipment. show our respect for those officers whodied in the line of duty and to Encourage law enforcement agencies to offer more driver training andsafer vehicles. * Be careful when passing an accident or crime scene. There may be a police officer on the road. colleagues left behind.” www.nleomf.com. made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Craig W. Floyd, Chairman and CEO of the NLEOMF. “Lowering the flags on Peace Officers Memorial Day is an appropriate way to remember the family, friends and For more information, visit
