National Police Week is held annually to correspond with National Peace Officer Memorial Day. It is a time to honor and remember law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
Each year the names of fallen officers are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. More than 24,000 officers' names have been carved into the walls of the memorial, dating back to the first known death in 1786. 282 officers will be added to the memorial this year. Each of their names are read during ceremonies during Police Week.
This year marks 20 years since the line of duty death of Grapevine Police Officer Darren Medlin. Current officers who served with him, along with professional staff and members of the Grapevine Honor Guard are joining Officer Medlin's widow and daughters in Washington, D.C. to honor his memory. In additional to the annual candlelight vigil, visit to Officer Medlin's name on the wall, and other tributes happening this week, officers also arranged for a series of tours for Medlin's family, including the White House and Pentagon.
May 15 is designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the Department encourages everyone to take a moment to reflect on those who gave their lives in the line of duty. In honor of their service, and their families, U.S. flags will be flown at half-staff. The Grapevine Rotary is also setting up flags in front of the Grapevine Public Safety Building in honor of fallen officers.
While Officer Darren Medlin's badge number was retired with his passing, his acts of service, and his legacy with Grapevine, will always be remembered.