As we recognize National Police Week (May 11-17, 2025), we pause not only to honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers across our country, but also to reflect on the vital role these men and women play in communities across Washington State.

Each day, Washington’s law enforcement officers stand as the thin blue line between safety and chaos — often under-resourced, frequently underappreciated, but unwavering in their commitment to serve. At a time when the challenges of recruitment and retention have reached crisis levels, it is more important than ever that we recognize their dedication — and recommit ourselves to supporting those who protect us.

Washington state has the fewest number of law enforcement officers per capita in the nation. Let that sink in. Fewer officers are covering larger areas, responding to increasingly complex calls, and doing so with limited backup and even more limited resources. This isn’t just a troubling statistic — it’s a stark warning sign of a system under strain. And it’s the officers, their families, and our communities who are bearing the cost.

I recently visited the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial, located on the Capitol Campus in Olympia. Etched into the memorial are the names of brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Below their names is a solemn inscription:

“Their duty was to serve. Our duty is to remember.”

These are not just words carved in stone — they are a call to action.

Yes, we must remember — but we must also act.