Peace Officers Memorial Day on Tuesday

SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD) - Two ceremonies are taking place Tuesday in West Michigan to honor local officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.

Peace Officers Memorial Day is held annually in the United States on May 15, and is observed in conjunction with Police Week. President John F. Kennedy signed the bill into law on Oct. 1, 1962.

"This week, we pay tribute to the thousands of men and women who serve us with extraordinary bravery, and we remember the heroes who have laid down their lives in pursuit of a safer, more just society," President Barack Obama said on the White House website. "During Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, we recall the selflessness of our law enforcement officers and their families, and we honor all those who devote their lives to forging a stronger, safer America.  Let us reflect on their invaluable contributions as we enjoy the peace they bring to our communities, and let us vow that their service will never be taken for granted."

People are encouraged to lower their flags at half staff from their homes and businesses on Tuesday.

The South Haven Police Department will host its 11th annual observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day at noon on the front lawn of City Hall, 539 Phoenix St. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend to show community support for all law enforcement officers both past and present.

The public can also attend the Battle Creek Police Department's annual ceremony at noon in the City Commission Chambers on the third floor of City Hall, 10 N. Division St. The officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the communities in which they serve will be remembered.

A ceremony will take place at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. at 11 a.m. where a roll call of heroes will be heard.

A total of 163 police officers were killed in the line of duty last year in the United States -- including Officer Eric Zapata from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety who was killed in April 2011 and Officer Trevor Slot of the Walker Police Department who was killed in October 2011.

All of these officers were remembered May 13 at the 24th annual candlelight vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.

So far in 2012, 40 police officers have been killed in the line of duty across the nation -- down 45% from the this same time last year.