Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered U.S. and Michigan flags at the State Capitol Complex and all public buildings statewide to be lowered in recognition of the annual observance, which falls during National Police Week.

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“Today, we honor the brave officers who made the ultimate sacrifice to our state,” Whitmer said in a statement. “These men and women in uniform stepped up every day to protect their communities, risking their own safety to protect ours. As we reflect on their sacrifices, let’s honor their memories and recommit to supporting their families and fellow first responders.”

From “Defund the Police” controversy to honoring fallen officers.

This, however, is in contrast to some of her comments during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. In a 2020 interview, Whitmer said she supported “the spirit” of efforts to “defund the police” by shifting more government resources toward social services and education, remarks that sparked backlash from many conservatives and law enforcement supporters. Whitmer later distanced herself from the slogan less than a month before trying to win a second term as governor, calling “defund the police” “dangerous and foolish” while emphasizing that her administration has increased public safety funding in Michigan.

Presidential statement.

President Trump also made a statement about Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 11. He said, “On this Peace Officers Memorial Day, observed during our Nation’s time-honored Police Week, we pay tribute to the men and women of law enforcement who have devoted their lives to safeguarding our families and communities. Our grateful country joins them in honoring the memory of the fallen officers who gave their lives protecting their fellow citizens, and we stand resolutely beside the families they left behind.”

The president went on to say, “On this Peace Officers Memorial Day, we solemnly commemorate the officers who gave their lives in the line of duty across our Nation. Throughout Police Week, we honor the sacrifices of our law enforcement community and the families who stand beside them. United in gratitude, we recommit ourselves to supporting those who keep the peace in our neighborhoods, and we offer our heartfelt appreciation for the service they render to community and country.”

What is Peace Officers Day?

Peace Officers Memorial Day was established by Congress in 1962 as part of National Police Week to recognize federal, state and local law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.

According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, Michigan has lost hundreds of law enforcement officers in the line of duty dating back to the 1800s, with the total continuing to change as additional historical cases are verified and added to memorial records. The Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monument also maintains records honoring fallen officers from agencies across the state. Separately, the Michigan State Police reports that 57 state troopers alone have died in the line of duty throughout the agency’s history.