LAW ENFORCEMENT MONTH 5/3/24 Throughout
the month of May, Governor Pritzker, the Illinois State Police, and law
enforcement agencies across the state will celebrate Law Enforcement
Appreciation Month in Illinois. Governor Pritzker proclaimed May as Law
Enforcement Appreciation Month in Illinois to serve as a time when we come
together to remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, honor
those who have served and continue to serve, and offer support to fellow
officers and their loved ones. It’s also an opportunity for citizens to show
their appreciation to the men and women who keep our communities safe while
dealing with the inherent dangers of police work. Law
enforcement has been regularly ranked as one of the 10 most dangerous
occupations in the United States, specifically for police and correctional
officers, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics cited by the
University of Illinois Chicago Law Enforcement Epidemiology Project. In 2021,
159 law enforcement officers died on the job, of which approximately 40% were
caused by assaults/homicides, and 40% were caused in transportation incidents. Throughout
May, Troopers from across the state will travel to the Illinois State Capitol
in Springfield to participate in ceremonies focused on memorializing law
enforcement officers around the state. In celebration of National Police Week,
ISP is sending its elite Honor Guard to Washington D.C. for the national law
enforcement celebration held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
Park from May 15th – 21st. The celebration includes a K9
Memorial Service, a candlelight vigil, a police vehicle display, the National
Peace Officers’ Memorial Service, a Pipe Band competition, National Honor Guard
competition, and more.