Police Memorial Week

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, as National Police Week.

On average, one law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty somewhere in the United States every 53 hours. Since the first known in 1791, more than 19,000 U.S. law enforcement officers have made the ultimate sacrifice. If you get a minute this week…Thank a cop. And say a little prayer for those who have fallen and their families left behind to carry on.

Below are just three of the latest casualties.

Investigator Mike Walter was shot and killed as he and other detectives attempted to serve warrants on a man in an apartment complex on Colony Park Drive at approximately 11:15 am.

The man was wanted for sexual battery of a minor and possession of child pornography. After entering the apartment the detectives located the man hiding in a bathtub. As the man resisted arrest the officers attempted to use a taser on him. He opened fire on the officers, striking Investigator Walter in the face and wounding two other officers. One of the wounded officers was able to return fire and killed the subject.

All three officers were transported to University of Mississippi Medical Center, where Investigator Walter succumbed to his wound approximately 40 minutes later.

Investigator Walter was a former professional baseball player and had served with the Pearl Police Department for three years. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and parents.

End of Watch May 1, 1012

Deputy Sheriff Brian Hayden was killed when his patrol truck collided with another patrol car on US Highway 70 as the two responded to a shots fired call involving a third officer.

He and an officer from the Choctaw National Tribal Police were responding to the call at approximately 9:30 pm. As the two vehicles neared an intersection, Deputy Hayden began to turn left when his truck was struck by the patrol car, which was traveling behind him. Deputy Hayden’s suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. The tribal police officer suffered severe injuries and was flown to a hospital in Texas.

Deputy Hayden was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He is survived by his wife and four children.

End of Watch April 19, 2012

Sergeant Max Dorley was killed when his patrol car struck a utility pole on Admiral Street, near Huxley Avenue, as he responded to a disturbance call at approximately 9:20 am.

Two vehicles in front of him pulled to the side, however a third vehicle attempted to make a left turn in front of him, causing him to swerve. His vehicle left the roadway and struck the pole head-on, causing the pole to break in half and fall on the patrol car. He was extricated from the vehicle and transported to Rhode Island Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Sergeant Dorley had served with the Providence Police Department for 16 years and was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant. He is survived by his wife and two children.

End of Watch April 19, 2012

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