For the first time in Utah, flags at all government buildings will fly at half-staff May 10 in honor of all police officers killed in the line of duty.
Gov. Mike Leavitt signed a resolution Tuesday afternoon recognizing May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and ordering all state flags be flown at half mast. Utahns will celebrate the holiday on Tuesday, May 10, this year because the 15th is a Sunday.One of the officers behind the effort to get governmental recognition is Salt Lake County sheriff's detective Dave Burdett.
"It's just a reminder to the citizens of the state that there is a sacrifice being made, not only by the officers but also by the families living behind the badge," said Burdett, who is also the president of Utah's Fraternal Order of Police, sponsor of the effort.
Police officers across the state have always held ceremonies honoring officers killed in the line of duty, Burdett said. But all police officers are grateful for the state's recognition of their fellow officers' sacrifices.
"Even though we have servicemen out there, we need to remember that we also have warriors on the streets every day," he said.
Burdett said 74 officers have been killed in the line of duty in Utah.