ST. PAUL, Minn. - In honor of National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, Minnesota officers who died in the line of duty are being honored at the State Capitol and around the Twin Cities.
The Law Enforcement Memorial Association held its annual Standing of the Memorial Guard, beginning Sunday night and ending at 7:25 p.m. Monday with a candlelight vigil.
Officers from all over Minnesota have traveled to the State Police Memorial, where they stand in silent vigil for 30-minute shifts.
This is to keep alive the memories of the 278 fallen law enforcement officers in Minnesota who have lost their lives while protecting their communities.
In Minneapolis, 69 officers who died in the line of duty were honored in the Hennepin County’s Fallen ceremony.
"We have to honor those who not only gave their lives but were injured in the line of duty and their families, because their family who give up everything for us to be able to do our jobs," said Minneapolis Police Chief Janee Harteau.
National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day kicks off Police Week. In recognition, Minneapolis Police will hold open houses at every precinct this week. The community will get a chance to meet with officers and crime prevention specialists, and free food will be offered.
Find a precinct near you online.
