The month of May is a sacred time when peace officers, families and supporters can come together to remember and pay tribute to the brave men and women who gave their lives in the line of duty during the past year and throughout our nation’s history.
This year’s National Police Week ceremonies, held May 11–16, carry special significance for PLEA and the Phoenix Police Department as Sergeant Thomas Craig (EOW September 3, 2021) and Officer Phillip Vavrinec Jr. (EOW September 22, 2021) are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Both officers tragically passed away from COVID-19 and were added to the Arizona Peace Officers Memorial in 2022. This year, their sacrifice will be recognized in front of thousands in our nation’s capital.
Members of PLEA’s leadership team are traveling to Washington, D.C., to honor our brothers and the rest of our nation’s heroes. We will never forget Sergeant Craig, Officer Vavrinec Jr. and all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their communities.