In 2004, the East Providence Police Department began holding an annual Police Officers’ Memorial Service. The memorial service is in conjunction with the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial and Police Week, which pays tribute to all of the fallen police officers who have been killed in the line of duty in the past year. The National event is held in Washington, D.C.
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation, which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as “Police Week." Every year since, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, D.C. to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. During Police Week, officers wear mourning badges and the flag at the police station is flown at half mast.
The East Providence Memorial is held to honor every East Providence police officer who has passed away. The Memorial Service is held outdoors (weather permitting) at the East Providence Police Station located at 750 Waterman Ave. East Providence, R.I.
The event is sponsored by the East Providence Lodge #1 Fraternal Order of Police and Fraternal Order of Police Associates. After the brief memorial refreshments are served.