Biden pays tribute to fallen officers at memorial service

WASHINGTON (Gray News) - President Joe Biden delivered remarks at the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service on Wednesday.

The service at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., is being held as part of National Police Week, which recognizes those who were killed in the line of duty.

He mentioned four officers who were killed in North Carolina just last week and addressed the feeling of loss.

Addressing the family of those who’ve lost loved ones, Biden said, “I admire your courage being here. I hope you take comfort in the knowledge that you will never be forgotten.”

He also told officers’ families that they represent “the very best of America.”

“Police Week gives us an important opportunity to recognize and thank those heroes who walk among us — the men and women of courage and character who think of others before themselves, no matter the cost,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said.

Last year, 60 law enforcement officers were killed on the job, according to a report the FBI released Tuesday.

The rate of assaults on law enforcement hit a 10-year high in 2023, the Associated Press reported, with more than 79,000 attacks reported.

More than 230 officers were killed accidentally in the line of duty between 2019 and 2023, the Associated Press reported. More than half of those officers died in vehicle crashes, and another 30% were hit by a vehicle.