Peace Officers Memorial Day is Friday, May 15 honoring federal, state, and local officers who died or were disabled in the line of duty. It’s observed annually during National Police Week, which runs from May 10 to May 16.
Flags are flown at half-staff on all government buildings, public spaces, and military installations from sunrise to sunset.
The 2026 Washington County Law Enforcement Officer Memorial ceremony, hosted this year by the Jackson Police Department, is Friday, May 15 at the Jackson Municipal Complex at noon.
The event honors Washington County law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty as part of the National Law Enforcement Memorial Week events held every May. This year, guest speakers will be Washington County District Attorney Barry Braatz and Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney.
Jackson Police Chief Ryan Vossekuil will emcee the event, which will include an invocation by Chief (Ret.) Doug Larsson, Honor Guards with Germantown, Hartford and West Bend police departments and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, West Allis Patrolman Philip LaSpisa (Ret.) playing Taps, and performances by the Living Word Lutheran High School band and choir and the Greater Milwaukee Fire and Police Pipes and Drums.
Refreshments will be served after the program, courtesy of the Kettle Moraine Lodge 10 Fraternal Order of Police.
Following the ceremony, the Washington County Law Enforcement Memorial Committee will announce plans for a proposed permanent site for the Washington County Law Enforcement Memorial. Renderings of the memorial will be on display, showing where future memorial ceremonies will be held each May.
Bright blue lights highlight Main Street in downtown Hartford in honor of the dedicated men and women of the Hartford Police Department during National Police Week.
The City of Hartford expressed their gratitude for the service, sacrifice, and commitment the officers demonstrate each and every day to help keep our community safe.
Photo of the Hartford City Hall by WTKM's Tom Jeffery on Friday, May 15.
