National Police Week, May 11th through May 16th, 2026, is to recognize, honor and remember our fallen Law Enforcement Officers. This week is dedicated to the service and sacrifice of all Law Enforcement Officers killed in the line of duty, while protecting our communities across the nation. There are more than 750,000 officers serving across the United States, including the dedicated officers of the Buxton Police Department.
Since the first recorded officer death in 1786, there have been 24,775 law enforcement officers in the US that have been killed in the line of duty and still counting. “In 2026, the names of 363 officers killed in the line of duty were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. These 363 officers include 109 officers who were killed during 2025. An additional 254 officers died in previous years (before 2025). Many of their stories of sacrifice had been lost to history until now. There are currently 24,775 names engraved on the Memorial.”
On May 13th, 2026, at 8pm at the National Mall in Washington DC, their sacrifices will be honored during the 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil.
Our department proudly honors and pays tribute to the 99 Maine law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We invite you to join us in recognizing their unwavering dedication to the safety and protection of their communities. This week, we also extend our deepest respect to their families, whose strength and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
We thank all those who, have served, and continue to serve with courage and commitment.