National Police Week with Chief Keen

Chief Keen reflects on what Police Week means to him, who Sergeant John Conner III was, and how our community can help honor all members of law enforcement who have given their lives in service to their community.
What is National Police Week?
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. National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring America’s law enforcement community.
Remembering Sgt. John Conner III.
Sergeant John Conner III was shot and killed on Sunday, July 24, 1988, after responding to a report of a man sitting on his front porch with an AR-15 rifle and firing shots in the air. As police units arrived, the suspect entered his townhouse and exited the rear door. Sergeant Conner was approaching the rear of the townhouse near the 9100 block of Laurelwood Court when he encountered the suspect. Shots were exchanged, with the suspect being shot in the foot and Sergeant Conner being shot three times. The suspect was taken into custody by other officers.
Sergeant Conner was transported to a local hospital and then flown to Fairfax Hospital where he died several hours later. The investigation revealed the suspect had been involved in an argument earlier in the day with his wife and was upset. The suspect was later convicted of murder and sentenced to death.
Sergeant Conner was a U.S. Army veteran and served with the Manassas Police Department for eight years. He was survived by his wife and four children.
In 2023, the names of 556 officers killed in the line of duty were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. The 2023 "Roll Call of Heroes" features the names of official Line-of-Duty Fallen Heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
www.odmp.org/....