2023 National Law Enforcement Memorial, Washington DC

Last week I attended National Police Memorial Week ceremonies in Washington DC. Law enforcement officers came from throughout the nation to honor members of their own agencies or neighboring agencies who have died in the line of duty. Names of the fallen are carved into two limestone walls at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Judiciary Square.

This year two names were added to the wall from the Pierce County Sheriff's Department. Deputy Daryl Shuey and Deputy Dom Calata.

It was my honor to attend along with other members of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department to recognize these two men. To locate their names on the wall. To stand respectfully beside their friends and families and to remember.

There are now nearly 23000 names on the Memorial wall. Additional panels were recently added to accommodate the growing number of names Nearly 23000 line of duty deaths. They died while serving us and our families and undergoing risks on our behalf.

The Memorial observance included a candlelight ceremony held on the National Mall with dome of the United States Capitol at one end and the Washington Monument at the other. Name after name of those added to the wall this year were read aloud to the tens of thousands in attendance.

I left the ceremony early just before it ended. After names were read and as the memorial candles were being lit. I left the thousands gathered reverently with candles in hand and walked back to the Memorial's wall of names.

It was quieter there. Fewer people were present. I went there to stand before the names. Nine names from Pierce County. People I know. People I swore into service. People who wore a badge I gave them.

Too many of us seek to avoid the difficult responsibilities and burdens which come with being an American. Those listed on the wall did not have that problem. They were willing to take on serious responsibilities and difficult burdens. They did not do so to appear to be "larger than life." Rather, they did so because they were willing to make a profound moral choice. A choice to serve. A choice to be larger than their own lives.