Providence police hold annual Peace Officers Memorial and wreath-laying ceremony

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Providence police held their annual Peace Officers Memorial Service and Wreath-Laying ceremony Wednesday morning.

The memorial is dedicated to honor the memory of fallen Providence police officers, who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

The department paid tribute to the fallen officers of the Providence Police Department, both retired and active members who have passed away since 2019.

“Many of the officers who were victims of violence were killed in ambushes or while out on patrol. Wearing the badge shouldn’t make you a target,” said Cmrd. Thomas Verdi.

According to the FBI, more then 70 police officers were killed in the line of duty nationwide in 2021.

“These past few years have been so, so difficult. Not just for us, but particularly for law enforcement,” said Mayor Jorge Elorza. “We have noticed across the country and here a disturbing upwards trend in gun violence.”

The memorial was held ahead of National Police Week, which starts on Sunday.