WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss., today marked National Police Week, May 15-21, by honoring Mississippi police officers who have died in the line of duty.

The Senators’ remarks were offered as part of the 35th Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol on Monday morning.  Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN) agent James Lee Tartt of Grenada is among the officers who died in the line of duty in 2016 and is being honored in ceremonies in Washington this week.

“Our law enforcement officers and their families have our respect and appreciation throughout the year, not just during National Police Week,” Wicker said.  “The support they provide to our communities cannot be overstated.  Occasions like this offer an opportunity to remember officers like James Lee Tartt who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.  We honor their memory and their service.

“Law enforcement officers risk their safety for ours.  Far too often, their dedication to our communities costs them their lives,” Cochran said.  “National Police Week marks a time to honor their service and show our appreciation to the families they left behind.”

The May 15 memorial service at the U.S. Capitol is hosted by the Fraternal Order of Police/Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary (FOP/FOPA).  The overall national observance is organized by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Concerns of Police Survivors and FOP/FOPA.

Tartt was killed in a standoff in Tishomingo County on Feb. 20, 2016.  He was a 22-year law enforcement veteran, and the 2011 MBN Agent of the Year.  Tartt’s name was inscribed on the Sunday’s National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial as part of the 29th annual candlelight vigil.

With the addition of Tartt’s name, there are now 233 Mississippians listed on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington.

National Police Officers Memorial Day was first designated in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy.