We Remember Because They Served: A Reflection on National Police Week

REFLECTION | WE ARE STRONG ENOUGH: Honoring Our Heroes

By Sheronda D. Grant | May 2026

I attended Police Week in Washington D.C. this week, and my heart is still heavy. Watching the families and friends of fallen officers mourn their loved ones was profoundly moving. As names were read, I held back my own tears. The grief in that space was palpable. It’s something you can’t truly prepare for, no matter how many years you’ve worn a badge or how many times you’ve attended the ceremony. The pain is real.

The Candlelight Vigil

The Candlelight Vigil was difficult in a way that is hard to express. Officers' names were read state by state. After each state, a gong rang out. That sound—deliberate, resonant, final—settled into the crowd like a weight. More than 350 names were read that night. These were not just names of officers who died in the line of duty in 2025, but also those from previous years, whose names would now be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall. Names that had been waiting. Families who had been waiting.

Each name represented a person. A career. A family forever changed. And that gong, ringing after every state, ensured you felt every single one.

Heavy rain fell from Heaven as we held our candle lights in honor of the fallen. Perhaps God cried alongside the officers' loved ones.

We stood in that rain, candles in hand, united in our sorrow and remembrance.

Six Since 2018

I wish I could say this was my first time attending Police Week for personal reasons. But I cannot say that. My agency lost two officers in the line of duty in 2018—the first line of duty deaths since 1996. Then we lost another. And another. And then another. In 2025, we lost yet another. Six since 2018.

Six names and six families that had to keep going after burying their loved ones. That is a heavy weight that does not get lighter. As a leader, you learn to carry it differently, but the burden remains.

For Those Still Serving

This profession is not for the faint of heart, and it has never been. It demands something from you every single day—not just physically, but in ways that are harder to name and measure. That is why I have the deepest respect for every officer who shows up and does their best to make a difference in their community, both seen and unseen. You show up on the days it feels worth it and on the days it does not.

Your service matters, and you matter.

To the Families

To the families and friends of our fallen officers—the ones who made the ultimate sacrifice—please know that you are not forgotten. The names on that wall are not statistics. They are not mere numbers in an annual report. They are people who answered the same call every officer answers, but who gave everything in response to it. The tears that fell in Washington D.C. this week—from fellow officers, from strangers, from the rain itself—were for them.

My sincerest condolences to each family who has lived this loss. We carry your loved ones with us.

The Importance of Community Support

In times of grief, community support becomes essential. We must lean on one another. The bonds we form in law enforcement are unique. We understand the sacrifices we make and the toll it can take on our mental health. It’s vital to create spaces where we can share our experiences and support each other.

Consider reaching out to a colleague or a friend. Share a meal, have a conversation, or simply check in. These small gestures can make a significant difference. They remind us that we are not alone in this journey.

Leadership in Times of Grief

As leaders, we have a responsibility to guide our teams through difficult times. It’s essential to acknowledge the emotional toll that loss can take. Encourage open discussions about grief and mental health. Create an environment where officers feel safe to express their feelings without fear of judgment.

Leadership is not just about making decisions; it’s about being present for your team. Show empathy and understanding. Share your own experiences, and let them know it’s okay to grieve. Together, we can foster resilience and strength in our ranks.

Moving Forward Together

As we honor the fallen, let us also focus on moving forward together. We must strive to create a culture of support and empowerment within our profession. This means advocating for policies that prioritize mental health resources and ensuring that every officer has access to the help they need.

We are stronger together. By lifting each other up, we can create a positive change in law enforcement. Let’s work towards a future where every officer feels valued, supported, and empowered to lead.

Sheronda D. Grant is a 24-year law enforcement veteran, leadership development trainer, and founder of We Are Strong Enough—a career excellence platform for women in law enforcement. She serves as a WI DOJ contractor delivering leadership training across Wisconsin and has personally mentored 40+ officers to promotion at every rank.

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