HARTFORD — Governor Dannel P. Malloy on May 14 announced that he is directing US.and state flags in Connecticut to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, May 15, 2015, in recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day.

The national observance pays tribute to local, state, and federal law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. It is recognized annually during National Police Week, which this year runs May 10-16.

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. There have been 273 named added to the full roll during the Memorial year in 2015.

“The men and women of law enforcement put their lives on the line day in and day out to selflessly protect the people of our state and our nation. We are deeply indebted to them for the protection they provide to our communities,” Gov Malloy said. “As they protect us from harm, they personify what it means to be a public servant. We pay tribute to the fallen law enforcement members who've made the ultimate sacrifice, and we keep in our hearts their families and loved ones. We are forever grateful for their service to our communities.”

Lt Governor Nancy Wyman agreed, adding “We deeply appreciate the service and sacrifices made by our peace officers. This week, we reflect on the fallen – what they have given to protect our communities and our freedoms, and what their families have endured in service to Connecticut and the nation. We continue to be grateful to our law enforcement officers for their courage and their commitment to a fairer, stronger democracy.”

The actions of the governor and lieutenant governor this week echo those made by President Barack Obama on May 8, when he issued a .Presidential Proclamation announcing Police Officers Memorial Day and Police Week 2015

According to the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, on average, one law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty somewhere in the United States every 58 hours. Since the first known line-of-duty death in 1791, more than 20,000 US law enforcement officers have made the ultimate sacrifice.