UPDATE (3:19 pm): This article has been updated to correct a reference to what the field of flags in front of the police department represented.

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HARTFORD — Flags across the country have been lowered in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day, observed annually on May 15.

The day falls on the second day this year of Peace Officers Memorial Week, May 14-20.

Newtown Police Department hosted a Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony Monday morning at its headquarters.

According to Newtown Police Sergeant Douglas Wisentaner, this year’s ceremony honored 226 law enforcement officers across the country who died in the line of duty in 2022. A field of 226 hand-held flags had been laid on the ground to the southwest of the department's flagpole.

Around the base of the flagpole, five additional 4- by 6-inch flags had been planted, representing five Connecticut officers whose names will be added to the national memorial this year, Wisentaner said.

(Additional coverage of that event will be included in the May 19, 2023 print edition of The Newtown Bee and on this website later this week.)

In a Proclamation issued on May 12, President Joseph Biden said when law enforcement officers pin on their badges every day, “they make an extraordinary commitment to the American people: to rush toward danger regardless of the risk and to faithfully stand up for the rule of law. Across our neighborhoods, towns, and cities, they put themselves in harm’s way, hoping to return home safely to their families. On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, we celebrate the remarkable courage of our law enforcement community and honor the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their fellow Americans.”

This country relies on its law enforcement officers, he said, for everything from keeping rods, subways and highways safe and responding to domestic violence incidents and natural disasters to ensuring public safety and protecting the well-being of communities.

“Too often, they are also called upon to respond to mass shootings, drug overdoses, mental health crises, and more. Being a law enforcement officer is not just what they do; it is who they are,” he said in part.

He noted the strength of families of law enforcement officers, saying it takes “a special person to marry or be the child of a law enforcement officer — knowing the uncertainty as their loved one walks out the door and dreading the possibility of receiving that phone call.”

The President noted that while no memorial “can ever fill the void left in the hearts of those who have lost a loved one in the line of duty … their sacrifices in full service to their communities and to our Nation will never be forgotten. We will continue to honor their memories with actions that help keep our law enforcement officers and communities safe from harm.”

The President pointed out his Safer America Plan, his stand against defunding police, and investments in programs that send social workers and other professionals to respond to calls “that should not be the responsibility of law enforcement.”

His proclamation reiterated the dates of Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week

Before calling on governors of all states and US citizens to lower flags from sunrise to sunset May 15, Biden also called upon “all Americans to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities and salute our Nation’s brave law enforcement officers and remember their peace officer brothers and sisters who have given their last full measure of devotion in the line of duty.”

Governor Ned Lamont did issue his annual direction to lower flags in Connecticut to half-staff from sunrise to sunset today in recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the US flag, all other flags – including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise – should also be lowered during this same duration of time.

“Every day, members of law enforcement are prepared to act on a moment’s notice in response emergency situations to protect the people of our communities,” the governor said in a statement. “In the course of their actions, they can face dangerous situations that may put their own lives at risk. It takes a special kind of person to seek a career in law enforcement, and their commitment to public safety is to be commended.

“I also want to acknowledge the families of law enforcement officers, who themselves make many sacrifices in response to their loved one’s call to service,” he said. “During this last year, Connecticut lost two police officers from Bristol Police Department – Lieutenant Dustin DeMonte and Sergeant Alex Hamzy – who were killed in the line of duty during a devastating and tragic attack while responding to an emergency call.

“On Peace Officers Memorial Day, I urge Connecticut residents to remember them, keep them in your prayers, and reflect on every law enforcement official who has given their life in the line of duty. Their memories will never be forgotten, and we thank them for their dedication to our communities.”

Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz said law enforcement officials “work tirelessly to protect and serve their communities, often putting their own lives on the line. They epitomize what it means to be a public servant, and we owe them a great debt of gratitude.

“It is especially important to remember those who have lost their lives while serving and protecting our Connecticut community and our country. Their heroism will not be forgotten, and we must honor them on Peace Officers Memorial Day and every day.”

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Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.