Now through Saturday, May 18, 2019, we observe National Police Week, recognizing the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers across the country. In October 1962, Congress enacted a joint resolution, signed by the President, declaring May 15th as “National Peace Officers Memorial Day,” to honor law enforcement officers killed or injured in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week, as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice. According to FBI statistics, 106 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents during 2018. Among those killed was Pikeville Police Officer Scotty Hamilton, who was killed on March 13, 2018. John Hall, 56, of Pikeville, pleaded guilty to Officer Hamilton’s murder and was sentenced to life in prison.
