MANSFIELD — In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week.

Each year, communities across the nation come together to honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers.

This year, the United States Congress has designated May 10 to 16, as National Police Week. In Mansfield and across the country, we take this time to express our gratitude to the men and women who serve with dedication and courage.

Peace Officers Memorial Day will be observed on Friday, May 15, and all Mansfield residents are encouraged to pause and honor the officers who protect and serve our community.

End of Watch

We especially remember the brave officers of the Mansfield Police Department who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty:

▪ BRIAN D. EVANS, end of watch on Dec. 26, 2007.
▪ MICHAEL R. HUTCHISON, end of watch on Feb. 6, 1976.
▪ WILLIAM J. TAYLOR, end of watch on Feb. 26, 1949.
▪ JOHN ENGLEHART JR., end of watch on Aug. 7, 1893.

Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten. We also ask the community to keep their families in their thoughts.

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 111 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty in 2025; representing a 25 percent decrease compared to the 148 officers who died in 2024.

This includes:

— 44 officers who were shot and killed, down from 53 in 2024.

— 34 officers who died in traffic-related incidents, down from 44 in 2024.

— 33 officers who died from other causes, including medical emergencies, failing objects, fire-related incidents, and other duty-related tragedies.

In recognition of National Police Week, Mayor Jodie Perry has issued a proclamation officially designating May 10 to 16 as Police Week and May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in the City of Mansfield.

To honor fallen offices, Mansfield Police Officers will wear mourning bands on their badges throughout the week.

On Monday, May 11, two memorial ceremonies will take place:

8:30 a.m. — The Mansfield Police Honor Guard will hold a ceremony at the Mansfield Police Memorial, located on the south side of the square, honoring all fallen officers from Richland County.

9 a.m. — A second ceremony will take place on the second floor of the Mansfield Municipal Building, honoring fallen Mansfield Police Officers. This will include a reading of the Police Week Proclamation. All are invited to attend both services.

As a solemn national tribute, flags on all federal buildings will be flown at half-staff on May 15 in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day.

This tradition was established in 1994 when President Bill Clinton signed Public Law 103-322, honoring the more than 27,348 law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

This half-staff tribute is among the highest honors afforded to fallen public servants, second only to Memorial Day.