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Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.

from News/Media Release
May 8, 2026
poeple dressed in dark clothing holding candles during a candlelight vigil.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund’s annual Candlelight Vigil to honor fallen officers will be May 13, at 8 p.m., in Washington, D.C. The names of 363 fallen officers are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

Credit:

NLEOMF

2 min to read


The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) has formally announced that 363 names of U.S. law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in 2026. The names will be engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the month of April and properly dedicated during the 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil held on the National Mall between 4th and 7th streets in Washington, DC, at 8 p.m. on May 13.

The 2026 “Roll Call of Heroes” features the names of official line-of-duty fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.

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This includes 109 federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2025. In addition, 254 officers who died in previous years will also have their names inscribed this year. Their sacrifice is now being recognized after NLEOMF’s research staff confirmed the circumstances of their death and their record of law enforcement service.

“As we come together to honor the officers we’ve lost, we reflect not only on their sacrifice, but on the commitment that called them to serve,” said William Alexander, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “Their bravery and dedication leave a lasting mark on our nation and on all who follow in their footsteps. This is a moment to remember their stories, support their loved ones, and carry their legacy forward with enduring respect.”

National Police Week

Each May 13th, during National Police Week, an estimated 30,000 people attend the Candlelight Vigil ceremony in Washington, D.C., including surviving family members, friends, law enforcement colleagues, and others. The event brings people together from across the country to honor the officers and be surrounded by strength in remembering their service and ultimate sacrifice.

24,775 Fallen Officers

With these additions, there will now be 24,775 officers’ names engraved on the Memorial, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, federal law enforcement, campus, and military police agencies.

Engraving Process Began Early

The engraving process starts with a lengthy stencil and proofing procedure, followed by a meticulous engraving and curing process. Once the engraving and curing process is finished, the covers are removed, and the panel is completed.

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The utmost care is taken not only in vetting and authenticating each name, but also to ensure that each is engraved on the Memorial to the degree that the integrity is forever maintained. The engraving process began with a brief ceremony on April 21.

The names of the 363 officers added to the National Memorial this year can be found at the Roll Call of Heroes, 2026.


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