The annual Candlelight Vigil will be held on the National Mall on May 13.Screen Shot from NLEOMF Video
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) has formally announced that 345 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 2025. 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 37th Annual Candlelight Vigil held on the National Mall between 4th and 7th streets in Washington, DC, at 8 p.m. on May 13.
The 2025 “Roll Call of Heroes” features the names of officers who died in the line of duty. This includes 148 federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement officers who died in the line-of-duty in 2024, and 197 officers who died in previous years where cases have been approved by NLEOMF’s research department. The total number of line-of-duty deaths in 2024 represents a 25% increase in officer deaths compared to 2023.
“As we gather once more to honor our fallen officers, we’re reminded not only of the lives they gave, but of the unwavering devotion that led them to serve,” said William Alexander, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “Their courage and selflessness continue to guide us—they embody the very spirit of law enforcement. This solemn moment is a time to grieve, to remember, and to ensure that we carry their legacy forward with gratitude and purpose.”
Each year on May 13, 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.
With this year’s additions, there will now be 24,412 officers’ names engraved on the Memorial, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, federal law enforcement, and campus and military police agencies.
The engraving process starts with a lengthy stencil and proofing procedure followed by meticulous engraving and curing processes. Once the engraving and curing process is finished, the covers are removed, and the panel is completed. 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 will begin with a brief ceremony on Monday morning April 14 and work is expected to be completed by the end of April.
The names of the 345 officers to be added to the National Memorial this year can be found at the Roll Call of Heroes, 2025.
For a complete schedule of National Police Week events in Washington, DC, visit www.LawMemorial.org/PoliceWeek.
