On October 1, 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726, designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in honor of those Federal, State, and Municipal Police Officers who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty.
In 1994, the 103rd Congress, as part of the Violent Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, amended Public Law 87-726. President William J. Clinton then signed Public Law 103-322, which directs that the American Flag on all government buildings be flown at half-staff on May 15 of each year.
On Sunday, May 15, 2022, the American Flag and all other flags on Boston Police facilities will be flown at half-staff to honor and remember the Boston Police Officers and other police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Members of the Boston Police Department are asked to reflect on and honor the memory of officers who have given their lives while protecting others.
This year, Police Officer Jose Fontanez has been added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.