BISMARCK – Gov. Doug Burgum has directed government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Wednesday, May 15, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Earlier, Burgum declared May 12-18 as Police Week in North Dakota and Wednesday, May 15, as Peace Officers Memorial Day.

“On Peace Officers Memorial Day, we honor the memory of those heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and recognize all those who put themselves at risk every day in the fight against crime, violence and terrorism,” Burgum said. “We are eternally grateful for these fallen officers, including the 69 North Dakotans who lost their lives in the line of duty, and we extend our gratitude and support to their families today and every day. During Police Week, we also pay tribute to our state’s uniformed officers for their dedicated service to our communities and faithful devotion to their duty to serve and protect the safety of our citizens.”