The names of almost 19,000 law enforcement men and women have been added to the curving, 304-foot marble walls of the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial. The officers and families who knew them arrived at the memorial during National Police Week to pay tribute by leaving roses, photos, wreaths, a SWAT helmet, a duty flashlight, and other personel items.
National Police Week: What They Left Behind
This year, 208 officers who were killed in the line of duty prior to 2009 were added to the wall. Historic officers date back to the 18th Century.
Seattle Police Officer Timothy Brenton was shot and killed on Halloween, while he and trainee Britt Sweeney were sitting in their patrol car reviewing a vehicle stop.
At the entry point of the memorial park, a quote from President Bush is carved into the wall, honoring officers who "protect a national treasure that we call the American Dream."
Sgt. Mark Dunakin was one of four Oakland Police officers killed by a parolee. A piece of Dunakin's motorcycle and his duty flashlight rest near his name.
A child's drawing of happier times and photos of an officer's family are among the items left at the wall.
Sgt. Mark Renninger was one of four Lakewood (Wash.) Police officers killed during a coffeehouse ambush. A department patch accompanies the placard stating, "Forever a hero, you will never be forgotten."
A SWAT operator's helmet bearing only the name of "Dan" and a rose are reminders of a tactical officer.