Miami Area Police Remember Fallen Officers

MIAMI, FL — Miami area police officers could be seen placing special blue flags on the graves of fallen officers this week as the annual May remembrances got underway around the nation. May is the month that law enforcement organizations honor the service and sacrifice of their fellow officers. A total of 1,555 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty over the past decade, which amounts to an average of one death every 53 hours in the United States.

Miami-Dade police were planning a massive sunset memorial 7 p.m. Thursday at Tropical Park, which is located at 7900 SW 40th Street. The public was also invited.

"Please join us as we pay tribute to all federal, state and local law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the Miami-Dade County community," officials said. A total of 143 officers have died in the line of duty throughout the county since 1865.

Miami police posted an emotional tribute to the city's fallen officers on social media. Officers stood in silence as a lone bagpipe played followed by a military-style salute. Watch below:

"It's a month of remembrance for officers in blue, and also our sisters and brothers in blue, that have passed away in the line of duty," Officer Kiara Delva of the Miami Police Department told Patch. "Just to let them know that we have not forgotten about them."

The Miami Beach Police Department remembered its seven fallen heroes who lost their lives while serving Miami Beach residents as officers and city officials gathered outside the police station.

The local ceremonies coincide with tributes around the country ahead of National Police Memorial Day on May 15.

The tradition was formalized by President John F. Kennedy in 1962 when he said, "It is important that people throughout the country know and understand the problems, duties and responsibilities of their police departments, and that members of our law enforcement agencies recognize the duty to serve the people, by safeguarding life and property, by protecting them against violence or disorder, and by protecting the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression or intimidation."

There were 129 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty throughout the United States in 2017.

Photos and videos courtesy Miami-Dade Police Department, Miami Beach Police Department and Miami Police Department.