MEDIA ADVISORY

WASHINGTON, May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- 
   WHAT:   24th Annual National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service

   WHEN:   Sunday, May 15, 2005, 12:00pm

   WHERE:  West Lawn of the United States Capitol

All members of the press must arrive by 8:00am. They should also bring a photo press credential. The early arrival is to ensure that all requirements are met concerning security procedures by the Capitol Police, as well as proper set up on the press risers in the secured area. Members of the press will be directed to the appropriate area upon arrival. Requests for interviews will be addressed upon your arrival at the media table next to the press risers.

Background Information on the 24th Annual National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service Event:

   - F.O.P. National President Chuck Canterbury will host the event, which
     honors the families of the 154 law enforcement officers from 38 States
     and Puerto Rico who were killed in the line of duty in 2004.
   - President George W. Bush is the keynote speaker.
   - Country recording star Darryl Worley will perform a musical tribute in
     honor of the fallen officers and their surviving family members,
     coworkers and friends attending the event.  Attendance is expected to
     exceed 20,000.

  History of the Event:
   - In October 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation
     setting aside every May 15th as National Peace Officers' Memorial Day.
     Since the signing of this proclamation, this date has been the official
     day of recognition for law enforcement officers who have lost their
     lives in the performance of their duty.
   - On May 15, 1982, the Fraternal Order of Police and its Auxiliary hosted
     the First Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service.  The
     ceremony has become nationally recognized, which contributed to the
     building and dedication of the "Wall of Remembrance" on Judiciary
     Square in Washington, D.C.  The Wall is inscribed with the names of the
     more than 16,000 law enforcement officers who have made the supreme
     sacrifice "to protect and serve" the laws and the citizens of the
     United States.

  Facts about Law Enforcement Officer Line of Duty Deaths
   - Since the first recorded police death in 1792, there have been more
     than 16,500 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
   - A total of 1,649 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty
     during the last 10 years, an average of one death every 53.5 hours or
     164 per year.
   - The deadliest year in law enforcement history was 1974 when 271
     officers were killed.
   - The deadliest decade was the 1970s when a total of 2,240 officers died,
     or 224 each year.
   - The deadliest day in law enforcement history was September 11, 2001,
     when 72 officers were killed while responding to the terrorist attacks
     on the United States.
   - New York City has lost more officers in the line of duty than any other
     department, with 579 deaths. California has lost 1,357 officers, more
     than any other state.


   CONTACT:  Tim Richardson (FOP)        Tom Hill
             (202) 547-8189              (202) 327-4184

Source: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives

CONTACT: Tim Richardson of the FOP, +1-202-547-8189; or Tom Hill of the
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, +1-202-327-4184

Web site: http://www.atf.gov/