Wall of heroes

Special Agent Bob Powers, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, reads the engraved names of fallen law enforcement members at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. SA Powers and several other OSI members visited the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial May 16 to place a memorial wreath and to honor all of OSI's fallen heroes. The names of OSI's fallen are chiseled into the memorial along with thousands of other law enforcement professionals who have made the ultimate sacrifice. More than 20,000 friends, family members and colleagues of the fallen are expected to visit the memorial during National Police Week, which runs from May 15-20. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Mike Hastings.)

AFOSI members honor fallen heroes at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

Published May 17, 2011
By James C. Dillard
AFOSI Public Affairs Office

MCB Quantico, Va. -- Several Air Force Office of Special Investigations members visited the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., May 16 to place a memorial wreath in honor of OSI's fallen brothers and sisters.

Hundreds of wreaths and other tokens of tribute, including what appeared to be a door from a fallen state trooper's patrol car, were placed all around the memorial as part of National Police Week, which runs from May 15-20. Hundreds of people crowded around the various sections of the memorial - some sitting in silence, some praying and many holding hands as they each reflected on the people they had lost.

The names of OSI's fallen agents are engraved among thousands of other names of law enforcement professionals who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This year alone, 316 names are scheduled to be added to the memorial, according to the memorial's Web site. Nearly 20,000 LE professionals have died in the line of duty since 1791.

Col. Keith Givens, OSI vice commander, was among the OSI members visiting the memorial that day.

"This memorial stands as a lasting tribute to all law enforcement professionals who put their duty before their own lives," he said. "Seeing OSI special agents' names alongside those of other law enforcement members reminds me that we are all part of the larger family of service."

After the wreath was carefully placed next to the monument, the small contingent of OSI members shared a moment of silence and of mutual understanding. They all understood that although the men and women engraved on the wall are no longer among them, the impact of their service to their country will endure forever.