National Police Week

May 15th was designated by Presidential Proclamation in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy, as Peace Officer Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week. This was designated to honor those officers, Federal, State and local, who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty. National Police Week has become widely recognized throughout the United States of America as a new way for the citizenry to pay tribute and express their gratitude to those who serve and to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. 

Since the first recorded death in 1786, there have been 23,785 law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice and were killed in the line of duty. In the Spring of 2023, 556 new names of fallen heroes were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, including 224 killed in 2022.

​To date, Nassau County has suffered the loss of 13 law enforcement officers, heroes who have fallen in the line of duty, including 8 from the Nassau County Sheriff's Office, 1 from the City of Fernandina Beach Police Department, 1 Florida Highway Patrol Officer, 2 from the Florida Department of Agriculture, and 1 Hilliard Constable. 

At today's Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Board approved Resolution No. 2023-110 proclaiming the week of May 14 - May 20, 2023 as National Police Week and Monday, May 15, 2023 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in Nassau County, Florida. Representatives from the Nassau County Sheriff's Office and City of Fernandina Beach Police Department were in attendance for the reading of the Resolution. 

The Board commends all law enforcement personnel for their service and dedication to Nassau County and its residents. Nassau County residents are encouraged to thank a law enforcement officer this week for all they do to keep our community safe from violence and disorder.