National Police Week: May 9-15, 2010
Each May during National Police Week the nation pauses to recognize the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement. This week we remember those brothers and sisters 
that have lost their lives serving our communities.
A few people do not understand the importance of this week. Some just do not care. But those of us that don the blue, brown, green or whatever color of uniform know the importance and significance of this week. We honor the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their honor, service, and dedication to duty will never be forgotten.
I had the honor to serve with Melissa Schmidt while in the US Marine Corps.
On August 1, 2002, The Minneapolis Police dept lost a great Police Officer. Melissa Schmidt was shot and killed by a 60 year old woman.
Melissa Schmidt
Melissa and I served together in the Marines on Emabassy duty in Nassau, Bahamas and Havana, Cuba. Melissa was a dedicated and honorable Marine! She was also one heck of a basketball player. She always kicked my tail all over the basketball court.
I will never forget the great moments I spent with Melissa. This week, I pause to reflect on all the great times I have had with Melissa and cherish those memories. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with her and her family.
I also pause to remember ALL the law enforcement officers that gave their life to
protect all of us.
We should never forget the mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, family and friends that lost their loved one. The brother and sister law enforcement officers should be kept in our thoughts and prayers as well.
Please take some time each day this week to offer a moment of silence and reflect on those 
officers that died doing what they loved with honor!
So far this year, 61 law enforcement officers have lost their lives.
Total Line of Duty Deaths: 61
Aircraft accident: 1
Assault: 2
Automobile accident: 16
Fall: 2
Gunfire: 22
Gunfire (Accidental): 1
Heart attack: 5
Motorcycle accident: 3
Struck by train: 1
Struck by vehicle: 2
Vehicle pursuit: 2
Vehicular assault: 4
By Month:
January: 19
February: 15
March: 14
April: 9
May: 4
Average tour: 12 years, 12 months
Average age: 41
By Gender:
Female: 2
Male: 59
Hello Brian! Thanks for the spectacular week with you and your team. Your presentation on Friday set the example for what an Advanced Instructor is and does.
Your post on National Police Week reminded me of the thoughts on the Denver Police Department memorial, so I’ll quote it here.
When Duty Called
When duty called there was no thought but answer.
No question, but the task that must be done.
Though Death their final payment for the vict’ry
For Honor was the battle fought and won.
No monument stands higher than their valor,
No words replace the loss of heroes, slain.
But, if their names, remembered, give us courage,
Their sacrifice shall not have been in vain.
by Julian R. Lewis
Lt. Col. (ret.) United States Air Force
Julian is my brother, so I was very happy when the poem he wrote specifically for the DPD memorial was used.
Best wishes to you! Tina Rowe