Police Heroes
Police heroes come in many forms. On the Police Heroes topic page, we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the mission to protect their communities.
Each year on January 9, communities across the United States take time to recognize the men and women who keep our neighborhoods safe. Here’s how you can participate
From a very early age, Boston Police Officer Dennis “D.J.” Simmonds wanted to be a hero
The loss of K-9 Fury was a heartbreaking reminder that tragedy can strike without warning — and that every agency must be ready to lead through the aftermath
Port Authority Police Officer Tore McCarthy, who survived late-stage colon cancer, graduated from the agency’s emergency services academy
DJ, who has battled cancer since 2018, was sworn into more than 200 law enforcement agencies during a single ceremony in Berkeley, Missouri
“Officer John Rivera was a dedicated public servant ... and his senseless death left a hole in our hearts,” State Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke stated
Dawson County Deputy Jessie Perez had served with the sheriff’s office for eight months; he also served with the volunteer fire department and as an EMT
National Police Week finds its roots in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed Proclamation 3466, designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day
Toft Jessen, a WWII veteran and possibly the oldest living retired officer in the U.S., was honored for a career that included surviving a 1970 ambush and serving 37 years with Oakland PD
“If I have cancer and I can do it, then so can he,” said Springboro Police Department Officer Megan Graham, who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2024
Stranded in a flood and swept off her feet, this Tennessee trooper showed what true service looks like — even after the rescue
“His swift, decisive action likely prevented a much more serious incident and protected everyone in the area from potential harm,” the Stockbridge PD stated
“The driver had a serious leg injury and was unable to get any further away from the fire,” South Brunswick police chief Raymond Hayducka said
“I was like, if they’re going to walk, then I’m going to walk too, because it’s my job,” Oachita Deputy Nathan Lane said
Two Mason County patrol deputies were the first to arrive at the scene and found individuals trapped on second-floor balconies
The boy had fallen into the lock, which had a tall concrete wall preventing him from climbing out, when he attempted to walk his bike across a narrow wall
The 345 names include 148 officers killed in 2024, spanning federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, campus and military agencies
“These two officers didn’t even think twice about going into that house and pulling that woman out,” Johnstown Deputy Chief Mark Britton said
Royer, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with 26 years in the mortgage industry, is the visionary behind the HELPER Act, a bill aimed at providing first responders with VA-style home loan benefits
A nationwide call for agencies to support a brave boy’s inspirational journey
GoFundMe provides an effective channel for financially supporting LEOs and their families across the country. Find out how you can help!
Two Mount Pleasant police officers turned a 911 call over ice cream into a lighthearted teaching moment — complete with a sweet ending
Newark Police Department Officer Joseph Anthony Azcona was shot to death while investigating illegal gun activity; a 14-year-old is suspected in the killing
Officers faced historic challenges during the pandemic, with many falling ill in the line of duty; NLEOMF has formally recognized COVID-19 as a line-of-duty death
"[Warren Police Officer Jacob Brooklier] took charge, placing the child in a rescue position, and initiating chest compressions,” the department stated
“Officer Allatt showed bravery, strength and composure throughout the duration of the call,” the Bridgewater Police Department said. “[His] swift actions saved the life of the driver”
Before Joseph Wambaugh, cops in books and movies were flat and unrealistic. His writing brought them to life — and changed law enforcement storytelling forever
Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, who has battled cancer since age 6, became the youngest-ever Secret Service agent; DJ has been sworn into more than 871 police departments
“The outstanding communication by dispatch and the quick actions of the MCSO deputies...ensured the safety of the two residents of the home and the family dog,” the Macomb County Sheriff’s office stated
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