The number of intentional law enforcement deaths is on the rise across the country. The Lynchburg Police Dept. took time to honor them Monday night.
"It’s important we recognize the officers, the brave, women and men of law enforcement who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Our officers are out in the community each and every day doing incredible work and putting their lives on the line. So, when those officers are killed in the line of duty, we want to make sure we do everything we can to honor them and their families as well," Lynchburg Chief of Police. Ryan Zuidema, said.
The memorial service marked the start of National Police Week.
To honor those who lost their lives in the line of duty, other officers placed a single rose in front of the fallen officer's picture and saluted their brother in blue.
"While there are many of us that run from danger, law enforcement are the first to run towards it," said Chuck Slemp, Virginia's chief deputy attorney general.
LPD honored these six officers from across Virginia who gave the ultimate sacrifice over the last year:
- Police Officer Michael D. Chandler, Big Stone Gap Police Department, End of Watch Saturday, November 13, 2021
- Sergeant Malek Z. Majzoub, Portsmouth Sheriff's Office, End of Watch Saturday, January 15, 2022
- Police Officer John Painter, Bridgewater College Police Department, End of Watch Tuesday, February 1, 2022
- Campus Safety Officer Vashon Jefferson, Bridgewater College Police Department, End of Watch Tuesday, February 1, 2022
- Police Officer Caleb D. Ogilvie, Covington Division of Police, End of Watch Monday, March 14, 2022
- Police Officer Trey Marshall Sutton, Henrico County Police Department, End of Watch Thursday, March 31, 2022
"To these brave officers across Virginia, please join me in saying thank you," said Slemp.
Majzoub died from COVID-19 complications after being exposed on the job. Sutton was killed in an automobile crash while heading to a scene.
Four out of the six died from intentional gunfire, right in line with the national trend.
"Any number above zero is way too high. We want to do everything we can to keep these officers safe and make sure they get home to their families each night," said Zuidema.
According to the FBI, last year saw the highest number of law enforcement officers who were killed by violence since Sept. 11, 2021 -- an increase that comes as a rise in gun violence and homicides continues across the country.
"We have definitely seen in the last few years an increase in the number of officers who were killed feloniously as a result of gunfire. That is something that is obviously concerning to me and anybody in law enforcement. We want our officers out there to be as safe as we can," said Zuidema.
Zuidema says on average, across the country, 150 law enforcement are killed each year.
According to Officer Down Memorial Page, as of May of 2022, 105 officers' lives have already been lost.