(commons.wikimedia.org)

Linda Huff was like many women. She was a loving wife and a nurturing mother of three children. She had a successful career doing what she loved and lived a happy life in scenic Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. On June 17, 1998, she kissed her husband and children goodbye and left for work. Like all police families, Linda’s husband and children knew that someday she might not come home, but they were proud of the work she did serving society as an Idaho State Police trooper.

(www.medialofhonor.idaho.gov)

At 11:00 pm on June 17th, Trooper Huff completed some paperwork at the state police office and started out to her patrol car to begin patrolling. As she exited the office, a vile and evil man ambushed her and commenced shooting at her. His purpose that night was to kill a police officer, any police officer. Trooper Huff just happened to be the first police officer he saw.

In the ensuing gun battle, Trooper Huff valiantly, and skillfully returned fire. She was able to hit her attacker twice even though she had been shot multiple times. At the end of the battle her attacker survived. She did not. He was later found, arrested, and convicted for her murder. She left behind a shocked and grief-stricken husband, children, and citizenry.

(businessinsider.com)

On October 1, 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed into law a joint resolution designating May 15th of every year as Peace Officers Memorial Day. The joint resolution President Kennedy signed, Public Law 87–726, states in part, “The police officers of America have worked devotedly and selflessly in behalf of the people of this Nation, regardless of the peril or hazard to themselves. These men and women by their patriotic service and their dedicated efforts have earned the gratitude of the Republic.”

(www.suburbanvideo.com)

On the granite walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial are chiseled the names of the more than 20,000 peace officers who have died in the line of duty. Along with the names of those honored fallen are the words of Roman senator and historian Tacitus “In valor there is hope.” The deeper meaning of those five simple words is that the valor demonstrated by our peace officers, like Trooper Linda Huff, gives us hope for a safe and civilized nation. Today we honor and remember those faithful police officers who gave their lives serving their fellow citizens. We express gratitude to their dedication to preserving our freedoms and are humbled by their sacrifice.