Obama honors fallen officers at memorial service

President Obama on Friday honored 131 officers who lost their lives in 2014 and said the nation not only owes them a debt of gratitude but also also must pay tribute to their memories by fighting poverty and improving communities’ relationships with law enforcement.

Speaking at the annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol, the president said that while the jobs of police, federal agents, correctional officers and other public servants are inherently dangerous, the nation can do more to protect those who put their lives in jeopardy each day.

“We cannot erase every darkness or danger from the duty you’ve chosen. We can offer you the support you need to be safe. We can make the communities you care about and protect safer as well,” Mr. Obama said. “We can make sure you have the resources you need to do your job. We can do everything we have to do to combat the poverty that plagues too many communities in which you have to serve. We can work harder as a nation to heal the rifts that still exist in some places between law enforcement and the people you risk your lives to protect.”

The president’s comments come amid a time of tension across the country between communities and law enforcement. That tension most recently came to the forefront in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray, who lost his life while in police custody. In the aftermath of Gray’s death, riots broke out in Baltimore and several police officers were injured. Six Baltimore officers have now been charged in connection with Gray’s death.

Rather than focus on the unrest in Baltimore, Ferguson, Missouri, and elsewhere, the president on Friday dedicated most of his brief address to the brave men and women who gave their lives last year.

“We owe it to all of you who wear the badge with honor, and we owe it to your fellow officers who gave their last full measure of devotion. Most of all, we can say thank you,” Mr. Obama said. “We can say we appreciate you. We’re grateful for the work you do each and every day. And we can say thank you to the families who bear the burden alongside you.”