362 police officers who were killed in the line of duty in 2020 to be honored by departments across the country

DIGHTON — Chief Robert MacDonald and the Dighton Police Department are honoring fallen officers from near and far during National Police Week this week.

National Police Week takes place this year from May 9-15 and is observed across the country as a way to honor local, state and federal law enforcement officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.

In honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day on Saturday, May 15, Dighton Police will join agencies nationwide in flying its flags at half-staff to honor officers who have given their lives in service to their communities.

“This week serves as an important reminder to not only honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, but also to support the families they left behind who continue to sacrifice so much,” Chief MacDonald said. “I would also like to commend those who continue to show up and put their lives on the line every day for their community members.”

Every year, between 25,000-40,000 law enforcement officers from around the world would normally gather in Washington, D.C. to pay their respects during a number of planned events. Though this year’s in-person events are cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a candlelight vigil will be held virtually on Thursday, May 13 at 8 p.m. to memorialize those who sacrificed all for their communities.

A total of 362 officers were killed in the line of duty in 2020 and 119 have been killed so far in 2021.

Total Line of Duty Deaths in 2020 according to ODMP: 362
9/11 related illness: 14
Aircraft accident: 1
Assault: 1
Automobile crash: 19
COVID-19: 234
Drowned: 4
Duty related illness: 5
Gunfire: 45
Gunfire (Inadvertent): 4
Heart attack: 7
Heatstroke: 1
Motorcycle crash: 4
Struck by vehicle: 8
Vehicle pursuit: 2
Vehicular assault: 13