Montana Attorney General Tim Fox was in Havre on Monday to attend a law enforcement memorial to commemorate National Police Week.

As the state's chief law enforcement officer, Fox expressed his gratitude for the hard work and sacrifices made by all branches of law enforcement.

"I think it's safe to say that every day is National Police Day at the Department of Justice," Fox began. "We want to encourage Montanans this week to recognize not only those men and women who serve in our law enforcement agencies currently and in the past, but also to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty."

Fox said at least one law enforcement officer has died for each year Montana has been a state.

"128 law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty since 1878 just before Montana became a state," he said. "This is a demanding career choice, there's a lot of sacrifice for not only those who are in law enforcement, but their families as well. We want to reach out to law enforcement to let them know we support them every day, and of course, remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice."

Fox also honored those who have received career ending injuries in the line of duty.

"Just recently, we had a Montana Highway Patrol trooper whose vehicle was hit by another motorist, and it's still not clear if he'll be able to return to duty anytime soon," he said. "You recall a couple of years ago, there was an officer with the Missoula Police Department who was shot by a drug dealer and he had to leave the law enforcement profession. Law enforcement officers never know when they'll be called upon to be in harm's way."

On Wednesday, May 18, the 17th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will be held at the Missoula Memorial Rose Garden: Law Enforcement Monument to honor fallen officers, and present service awards.

 

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