VIDEO: Songwriter Performs "Officer Down" at National Police Week

Hannah Ellis performed her poignant song "Officer Down" during National Police Week held at the Capitol in Washington, DC on May 15. The song, written by Ellis and co-writers Steven Dale Jones and Justin Ebach, is a tribute to her cousin Daniel Ellis who was killed in the line of duty in Richmond, KY, last year and is written from the perspective of his wife.

Daniel Ellis and 251 other officers, were honored by having their names added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC.

"Being asked to sing at the Fallen Peace Officers Memorial service is an honor in and of itself, but especially considering what my family has been through this past year with losing our own officer, it is something I will never forget," says Ellis. "Having the opportunity to sing a song that's so personal to me and feel it resonate with so many people who have similar stories was a very moving experience."

It was an emotional day for Ellis who, after performing, was given a memorial coin from the brother of a fallen officer from Crawford, NY.

"After the service I was given a memorial coin from the brother of a fallen officer from Crawford, NY. He later wrote me to tell me the story of his brother and that his daughter bought the song while I was performing because it made her feel less alone and less heartache in their situation," says Ellis. "It was such a powerful moment singing 'Officer Down' and a great reminder that these officers are real men and women putting their lives on the line every day. I'm just so humbled I got to play a comforting role during such a special week set apart to honor these families and their officers."

"Officer Down" is available on iTunes now  here.