National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial History

History
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (NLEOM) is the nation’s monument to law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. The Memorial honors federal, state and local law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of our nation and its people. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) was established by former U.S Representative Mario Biaggi, a 23-year New York City police veteran who was wounded in the line of duty over 10 times before retiring in 1965.
The mission of the NLEOM is to generate increased public support for the law enforcement profession by permanently recording and appropriately commemorating the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers; and to provide information that will help promote law enforcement safety. The legislation to authorize the Memorial was enacted in October 1984. Fifteen national law enforcement organizations were responsible for the passage of the legislation, along with designing the Memorial, finding the site to build the Memorial, and raising the funds to build the Memorial. Seven years after passage of the authorizing legislation, on October 15, 1991,
To help visitors find the names of specific officers, directories are placed at each of the entrance points. The directory lists names in alphabetical order and by state, federal and U.S. territory agencies. Each name is associated with a panel and line number. The visitor center and store feature frames and holders for displaying rubbings done at the Memorial. During National Police Week and throughout the year, there is a long-standing tradition of leaving objects at the NLEOM in remembrance of officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and whose names are inscribed on the walls of the Memorial. These heartbreaking tributes honor our nation's fallen heroes and add beauty to the