Video Transcript

Hello. I'm Mike Herrington, special agent in charge of the FBI Seattle Field Office.

During National Police Week, I'd like to acknowledge police officers and all law enforcement officers who are sworn to protect the cities, counties, and states across our nation.

This year, I'm honored to ring the bell at the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial as a solemn remembrance of the fallen officers from our state. This is a 24-hour ceremony with participants ringing the bell every hour of the day.

This 24-hour event symbolizes the 24/7 commitment that law enforcement officers make to protecting their communities and the risks they face every hour of the day. Each day, these dedicated men and women place themselves in harm's way when that call comes to keep us safe.

They often accept great personal risk to serve their communities. When we call 911, they're the ones who respond to emergencies. They serve on nights, weekends, and holidays. They leave their families to protect ours. We depend on them and expect them to answer that call promptly every time. Here at the FBI, police officers work alongside our special agents on criminal and national security investigations to help us perform our mission.

We couldn't do our jobs without these partnerships. I’d especially like to acknowledge the officers in Washington state who've made the ultimate sacrifice. Here at FBI Seattle, every time I walk into our field office, I see our own FBI Wall of Honor commemorating our fallen colleagues who gave their lives in service to their country. We're deeply grateful to the loved ones and departments of all the officers we have lost.

Their memories will not be forgotten. To the men and women of law enforcement across Washington state, I thank you and your families for your consistent sacrifice, not only as partners to us here at the FBI but on behalf of all of us as Washingtonians and American citizens.