Congress has designated one week in May of each year as National Police Week. In 2008, the Norfolk Memorial ceremony was held on Monday, May 12th. As is our custom, the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association members presented a lovely memorial wreath. This touching ceremony honors the memory of those police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The following is the address given by Norfolk Police Department Chief Bruce P. Marquis regarding the purpose and history of the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Ceremony:

"Since 1963, the Norfolk Police Department has gathered during the week of May 15th to pay tribute to our fallen officers. Once again, we honor the 38 officers who, since 1904, have given their lives in the line of duty to the city of Norfolk. We honor them for their service and their sacrifice. We also honor them for the qualities that they represent: courage, honesty, and integrity. These are the values that we expect of every law enforcement officer, men and women who willingly place themselves in harm’s way to make our city a safer place to live.

We honor them not just because of how they died, but also because of how they lived. While we know these officers were special, they really were very typical. They had families who loved and cherished them. They were spouses, parents, sons and daughters. They had dreams for the future. Many were born with a sense of purpose to serve others, and they were men and women who made a difference in the lives of the people around them.

They were the role models for children who looked up to them, and they experienced the gratitude and appreciation of those they served.

These officers are not the only heroes here today. I look around and I see the families I have come to know who lost a loved one and were left to find meaning to the tragedy in their lives. Yet despite this, you have continued to carry on and to live your lives in a manner that would have made your departed loved one proud. So, we take this time to honor you. You have also made the ultimate sacrifice, and we owe you a debt of gratitude.

In 2007, our nation lost 181 police officers in the line of duty, and another 60,000 were assaulted, many seriously. Yet our officers and those across the nation continue to face these challenges by willingly placing themselves in harm’s way, to confront those who commit criminal and often violent acts against society. As Chief of Police, I pledge that the NPD will do everything possible to protect our citizens and keep our officers safe.

To the families, I can only say that your loved ones represented the best in all of us and we continue to mourn their loss. We will always remember them for their courage and their sacrifice. I want you to know that you will always be in our heart for what you have lost, and that we are honored by your presence here today."