Montana U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme recognized the service and sacrifice of law enformement officers at Montana Peace Officers Memorial Day in Helena.
BILLINGS— U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme today recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers on the occasion of National Police Week, which is being observed Sunday, May 12 to Saturday, May 18, 2019.
Speaking at the 2019 Montana Peace Officers Memorial Day at the Montana State Capitol, Alme said he was honored to pay respect to the sworn law enforcement officers across Montana and the country who put their lives at risk every day and night to keep the public and our communities safe.
In October 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls National Police Week. Police Week recognizes the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement officers and pays special recognition to those who have died in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
“I want to acknowledge the work performed by our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, who often face uncertain and dangerous situations without question and without expectation of thanks. We want them to know they have our unwavering support and appreciation,” Attorney Alme said.
While 106 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty across America last year, none of the officers were from Montana, Alme said.
Each year, about 60,000 officers are assaulted, and 17,000 officers are injured.
In recent months, two Montana officers have been injured or assaulted while in the line of duty. Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Wade Palmer, based in Missoula, was shot and severely wounded while pursuing an alleged shooter, and Park County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Elliott-Pearson was injured in a head-on crash when an oncoming driver veered into his lane and hit him. Both officers have been undergone surgeries and are expected to survive.
“I want to join many across our state in thanking Trooper Palmer and Deputy Elliott-Pearson, and their families, for their sacrifice for our safety,” Attorney Alme said.
For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.
