The 72 law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks were honored today during a remembrance ceremony in Washington, D.C.

The National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) marked the 12th anniversary of the deadliest day in law enforcement history with the ceremony by reading aloud the names of the fallen officers.

Herbert Giobbi, NLEOMF's chief operating officer, was joined by U.S. Park Police Chief Teresa Chambers and Amtrak Police Chief Polly Hanson as they placed a wreath near panels 9-22 of the memorial's west wall where the names are engraved.

"With the passage of time, the horrific events of 9/11 seem to have faded a bit from our collective consciousness," Giobbi said. "But the service and sacrifice of the 72 courageous law enforcement heroes, who put their lives on the line that day for the safety and protection of others, will always be remembered at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial."

The 72 peace officers include 37 sworn members of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department. Also killed at the World Trade Center that day were 23 members of the New York Police Department; five members of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance; three members of the New York State Office of Court Administration; a special agent with the FBI; a master special officer with the U.S. Secret Service; and a New York City fire marshal who had sworn law enforcement powers. 

In addition, Richard Guadagno, refuse manager and a sworn officer with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, was among the passengers who died in Pennsylvania while fighting to regain control of Flight 93 from the terrorists.