UAPD Honors Fallen Officers With Christmas Memorial

FAYETTEVILLE, AR – The University of Arkansas Police Department is honoring officers across the United States who gave their lives in the line of duty in 2018 with a special holiday memorial display. The memorial is located in the UAPD lobby at 155 S. Razorback Road in Fayetteville.  The memorial consists of a Christmas tree decorated with silver and blue ornaments, blue and white lights and trimmed with handmade ornaments displaying the photograph, name and agency of each officer and K9 officer that lost his or her life in 2018. This annual memorial project began last year to focus on the commitment of the men and women in law enforcement and that of their families who have paid a tremendous cost at a time of year when family is on everyone’s mind. The ornaments from the 2017 memorial have been incorporated into a garland that encircles the front lobby of the police department. 

There were 137 police officers land 25 K9 officers killed in the line of duty  across the United States as of Dec. 5, 2018, according to statistics from the Officer Down Memorial Page. The United States has seen a 4 percent increase in officer deaths since 2017. Of these deaths 60 percent were considered felonious. Gunfire was the leading cause of death at 48 percent.

Chris Cosgriff, founder of the Officer Down Memorial Page, said, “When a police officer is killed, it is not an agency that loses an officer, it’s an entire nation.” UAPD wishes to share this message with the students, faculty and staff at the University of Arkansas, and all members of our community.  

Arkansas is fortunate to not have an officer killed in the line of duty this year. UAPD recognizes the death of K9 Officer Hemi of Arkansas State Police. UAPD sends thoughts and well wishes to the families and communities of those who passed in 2018.