Chief's Corner: Bradenton Police Department

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the surrounding week as National Police Week. This year, National Police Week is observed May 10-16, honoring the law enforcement officers who lost their lives in service to their communities.

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 111 officers nationwide were killed in the line of duty in 2025. This year, 36 officers have already been lost, including 14 to gunfire — a sobering reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face each day.

To honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and support the survivors they leave behind, BPD’s volunteer cycling team is participating in the 250-mile Law Enforcement United “Road to Hope” tour, arriving at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. on May 14. The public is invited to the Manatee County Law Enforcement Memorial Service on May 14 at 9 a.m. at the courthouse.

National Police Week also serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health and peer support within law enforcement. Preliminary data indicate that between 59 and more than 100 law enforcement officers and staff died by suicide in 2025.

BPD experienced that loss firsthand with the death of Officer Zach Butterfield in July 2025. In response, the department has expanded awareness of its Peer Support Team, and we continue to encourage officers and staff to seek help when needed. Resources for first responders are available through the First Responders Hope Line at 211 or 866-4FL-HERO.