As the nation commemorates National Police Week, the FBI joined law enforcement agencies across the country in solemn remembrance of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. In a heartfelt tribute, FBI Director Kash Patel honored fallen officers and paid special recognition to two members of the FBI family who lost their lives due to 9/11-related illnesses.
“It’s an important time to honor the extraordinary courage and commitment of our brothers and sisters in law enforcement—and to recognize those who have laid down their lives protecting the communities they served,” Director Patel said in a recorded message marking the weeklong observance.
National Police Week traces its origins to 1962, when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as Police Week. Today, the tradition continues as tens of thousands gather in Washington, D.C., to honor the nation’s fallen law enforcement officers.
Honoring FBI Personnel
On May 13, 2025, Director Patel and Assistant Director Robert Contee laid a wreath at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., in memory of fallen FBI personnel. Among those honored this year were Special Agent Donald Kleber and Evidence Technician Melica Sanders—both of whom developed fatal illnesses linked to their exposure to hazardous conditions during the post-9/11 recovery efforts.
- Special Agent Donald Kleber died on January 15, 2024. He had worked tirelessly at Ground Zero, assisting in the search and recovery of evidence from the rubble of the World Trade Center.
- Evidence Technician Melica Sanders died on May 25, 2017. She had deployed to the Fresh Kills Landfill in Staten Island to help sort, document, and preserve crime scene materials following the attacks.
“They were our friends and colleagues, and their legacy of courage and commitment to duty inspires all of us,” said Director Patel. “Sadly, far too many who made the ultimate sacrifice have been our own FBI colleagues.”
Rising Risks for Law Enforcement
Highlighting the inherent dangers faced by law enforcement officers, the FBI released its 2024 report on officers killed and assaulted in the line of duty. According to the report, 64 officers were feloniously killed, and another 85,730 were assaulted while performing their duties last year. The data, compiled by the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division, is based on submissions from law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Director Patel acknowledged the personal weight of these losses, noting that even in his brief tenure, he has made “far too many” condolence calls to police chiefs and sheriffs whose departments have lost officers in the line of duty.
A Week of Reflection and Tribute
This year’s Police Week events included a candlelight vigil on May 13 at the National Mall, organized by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. During the vigil, the names of officers who died in the line of duty in 2024 were solemnly read aloud. Their names will be added to the marble walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, which honors over 22,600 fallen officers dating back to 1791.
Other commemorative events included the annual Blue Mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church, a Police K-9 Memorial Service, a 5K run to raise awareness and support for law enforcement families, and the Police Unity Tour, which brought over 2,000 cyclists into the capital.
Police Week culminates in the National Peace Officers Memorial Service on May 15 at the U.S. Capitol, bringing together survivors, fellow officers, and the public to honor those who gave their lives in service to others.
A Commitment Remembered
As National Police Week draws to a close, the FBI and the broader law enforcement community continue to remember the courage and sacrifice of officers like Kleber and Sanders. Their service stands as a testament to the enduring commitment of those who protect and serve, often at great personal risk.
“Their legacy compels us to continue our work with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to justice,” Director Patel said.
