On Tuesday, April 25th, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund held its annual Engraving Day ceremony. Engraving Day occurs every April at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, dedicating the newly engraved names on the memorial. Presenters this year included NLEOMF Chairman Craig W. Floyd and Prince George's County Police Chief Melvin C. High.

While specifically honoring Prince George's County (Md.) Sgt. Steven Francis Gaughan, who was killed in the line of duty on June 21, 2005, the ceremony symbolically commemorates the lives of the more than 17,500 officers who have been killed since the nation's first recorded law enforcement officer death in 1792. A total of 466 names will be added to the Memorial this year.

The Engraving Day ceremony will be followed in May by the National Candlelight Vigil on May 13th and other tributes during National Police Week, which will run from May 14-20, 2006.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund will officially honor the service and ultimate sacrifice of 466 law enforcement officers this year by adding their names to the Memorial Wall.

These names will be officially dedicated during the NLEOMF annual Candlelight Vigil ceremony on May 13th. 155 law enforcement officers made the ultimate sacrifice in 2005. 311 of these dedicated officers were killed in the line of duty in prior years, and until now have been forgotten by history. These brave men and women died while protecting our homes, our streets, and our communities.

For more information about National Police Week and the NLEOMF, visit www.nleomf.com.