Spring Hill, TN – In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
The following officers from Tennessee will be added to the Law Enforcement Memorial in 2026:
James F. Hood, Jonesborough Police Department. End of Watch: 8/26/1928
Hugh W. Carlen, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. End of Watch: 2/24/1912
In total, 111 law enforcement officers from federal, state, county, municipal, and U.S. territories lost their lives in the line of duty in 2025. 363 names will be added to the Memorial in 2026. This represents a 25% decrease compared to the 148 officers who died in the line of duty during 2024. If you would like to learn more about National Police Week, please click on this link.
SHPD Corporal Jeremy McLaren’s name was engraved in the Memorial in 2011 after he lost his life on February 7th, 2010.
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