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Watch the ICE Police Week Ceremony, held May 11 at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.

During the ceremony, ICE paid special tribute in honor of our law enforcement officers who died in service to our country.
May 11, 2015Washington, DC, United StatesOperational

ICE honors fallen law enforcement officers during National Police Week

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) leaders, personnel and invited guests gathered at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., May 11 to pay tribute to fallen law enforcement officers and agents who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The ICE Valor Memorial and Wreath Laying Ceremony is an annual and solemn tradition held during National Police Week to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the nation. In 2014, 117 men and women serving in law enforcement lost their lives while serving communities around the nation.

The ICE Honor Guard presented colors and Claudia Dabney, provider relation liaison for the ICE Health Services Corps, gave a moving rendition of the national anthem. Reverent Monsignor Salvatore Criscuolo gave the invocation and benediction.

ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Executive Associate Director Thomas Homan who officiated introduced ICE Director Sarah R. Saldaña. Director Saldaña acknowledged the dignitaries who took time to join ICE and share in the ceremony. She made special mention of Dorene Kulpa-Friedli, the surviving spouse of fallen Special Agent Gary Friedli of U.S. Customs Service whose end of watch was March 4, 1998.

Director Saldaña put the population of law enforcement in perspective, saying that more than 900,000 individuals serve in this capacity out of 320 million people in the nation. “The ICE mission calls for confronting some of the most violent and conspiratorial criminals in the world,” said Director Saldaña, “Of course, it’s risky and of course, it’s often dangerous work. Fortunately, no shortage of pride and courage exists at ICE; many of you are represented here today. We see the spirit of selflessness marked on the wall of honor.”

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson also addressed attendees saying, “Those who serve in law enforcement are willing to put their lives on the line for people they don’t even know…but we also need to honor today’s law enforcement officers and agents for what they are willing to do. They serve the public and are prepared to give so much more.” Secretary Johnson said that losing a law enforcement officer and attending his or her funeral is “like attending a large family wake because members of law enforcement are like a family. There are no words to console your grief, except to know that we will never let you be alone, and we will always recall your loved one’s heroism.”

Secretary Johnson and Director Saldaña placed the ICE memorial wreath, which was followed by the ICE fallen officer roll call. John D. Nelson played Taps, and bagpipers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection played Amazing Grace. Attendees walked the memorial grounds, and viewed the names of fallen law enforcement officers whose names are etched in the memorial’s granite walls.

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