Attorney General Merrick B. Garland delivered remarks at the Seventh Annual Attorney General’s Awards for Distinguished Service in Community Policing, held on December 4, 2024. The event was an opportunity to recognize law enforcement officers who have demonstrated exemplary service in community policing.
Garland began by thanking Ben and Hugh, along with the COPS team, for their efforts. He also expressed gratitude to the Howard University Color Guard and Rhea Walker from the Justice Department for their contributions to the event.
"Our mission at the Justice Department is to uphold the rule of law, to keep our country and our communities safe, and to protect civil rights," Garland stated. He emphasized the essential role of law enforcement officers as partners in this mission.
Garland acknowledged that since taking office nearly four years ago, he has met with various law enforcement officers across the country and has been impressed by their bravery and dedication. "Their work is often dangerous. And most of it happens out of public view," he noted.
The Attorney General paid tribute to six honorees from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office who recently faced tragedy when three deputies were killed in a car accident while conducting traffic enforcement. "Today, my heart is with the families of Corporal Luis Paez, Deputy Ralph Waller, and Deputy Ignacio Diaz," Garland said.
He highlighted the Justice Department's commitment to honoring fallen officers through continued work and partnerships led by the COPS Office. This office recently celebrated its 30th anniversary and focuses on community-oriented policing based on public trust.
The awardees came from diverse parts of the country and demonstrated different aspects of community policing. They included detectives who built trust with victims of violence, a deputy sheriff who engaged community members affected by crime, a lance corporal maintaining open communication lines with his community, among others.
"Each of you works each day to ensure that when Americans face their darkest moments, they never have to face them alone," Garland told the awardees. He also recognized their families' sacrifices supporting them in their challenging roles.
Garland concluded by expressing pride in serving as Attorney General alongside professionals dedicated to advancing community policing and recognizing heroes honored at this event. "Thank you for everything you have done for your communities," he said.