MANSFIELD, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—In honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, Mansfield is paying tribute to its law enforcement officers. Established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, Peace Officers Memorial Day falls on May 15, with the surrounding week recognized as Police Week. This year, the United States Congress has designated May 12 through the 18 as Police Week.
On Wednesday, May 15th, 2024, residents are encouraged to honor the men and women who serve as police officers in Mansfield. Special remembrance is asked for Mansfield Police Officers Brian D. Evans, Michael R. Hutchison, William J. Taylor, and John Englehart Jr., who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community.
According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 136 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty in 2023, a decrease of 39% from the previous year. Of these, 47 officers were shot and killed, representing a 25% decrease from 2022. Traffic-related fatalities also decreased in 2023, with 37 officers dying in crashes.
Mayor Jodie A. Perry has proclaimed May 12–18, 2024 as Police Week and May 15th, 2024 as Peace Officer’s Memorial Day in Mansfield. In memory of those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, Mansfield officers will wear mourning badges during National Police Week.
On Monday, May 13, 2024, at 8:00 AM, the Mansfield Police Honor Guard will honor all fallen officers from Richland County in a ceremony at the Mansfield Police Memorial. A second ceremony will take place at 9:00 AM on the second floor of the Mansfield Municipal Building, honoring the fallen officers from the Mansfield Police Department.
Flags on all federal buildings will fly at half-staff on May 15, commemorating Police Officers Memorial Day. This tribute to the more than 24,280 law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty is a rare honor, with the only other regularly scheduled day for flags at half-staff being Memorial Day.