BRIAN R. MARVEL
PORAC President

Reflecting on the Past to Guide Us Forward

This month, many of us will gather to honor our fallen brothers and sisters during memorial ceremonies here in California and in Washington, D.C. These events always leave me with a mix of emotions — grief for those we’ve lost, pride in their service and renewed determination to support those who continue to wear the badge. Standing together, we’re reminded that their sacrifices light the way for our mission today, inspiring us to strengthen our communities and protect one another. Each name read aloud isn’t just a memory — it’s a call to carry their courage into the future.

Memorial Events and Their Significance

This year’s California Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremonies will be held on Sunday, May 4 (Candlelight Vigil, 8:30 p.m.) and Monday, May 5 (Enrollment Ceremony, 10:30 a.m.). At the national level, as part of National Police Week, the 37th annual Candlelight Vigil will take place on Tuesday, May 13, and the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service is scheduled for Thursday, May 15.

I know many of you have attended these ceremonies before, standing shoulder to shoulder with colleagues as names are read and bells toll. If you haven’t yet experienced one of these memorials — whether at your local ceremony, at the state level or in our nation’s capital — I strongly encourage you to do so. There’s something uniquely powerful about being physically present, seeing the families and feeling the collective support of our law enforcement family. In those moments, we affirm that so long as they speak your name, you shall never die.

Local memorial events deserve special attention. They connect us directly with the officers who served in our own communities and show survivors that their loved ones’ sacrifices continue to matter to the people they protected. These gatherings lay bare the profound cost paid by peace officers to keep our communities safe, forging a shared understanding that strengthens the bonds between current officers and those we serve. They remind everyone of our shared commitment to public safety.

Research That Strengthens Our Voice

As we stand together at these memorials, we draw strength from our shared commitment to honor the fallen by supporting the living. This unity is the bedrock of our collective voice, empowering us to tackle the challenges facing law enforcement today. Through PORAC’s research — unmatched in scope by any other major law enforcement association — we channel that resolve into action, addressing critical issues with evidence and insight to shape a safer future for our officers and communities. Each research brief we release examines a distinct aspect of our profession, building a comprehensive picture that strengthens our advocacy efforts.

In particular, our Police Staffing Issue Brief exposed dangerously low sworn personnel levels across California, which fuel a cycle where recruiting lags and burnt-out officers retire early. Similarly, PORAC’s Officer Health and Wellness Issue Brief showed that nearly 83% of officers face mental or emotional struggles, with suicide rates outpacing line-of-duty deaths. 

Beyond officer needs, our research tackles broader challenges. Our Decriminalization Timeline unpacked how evolving policies strain officers and public safety, informing policy talks with legislators. The School Resource Officers Issue Brief championed their role in safe schools, strengthening youth trust through mentorship. And in our recent Women in Law Enforcement Issue Brief, PORAC highlighted progress, like new mentorship programs, as well as challenges in expanding recruitment and retention to create opportunities for all without lowering standards. This earned widespread media attention and reflected our commitment to all who serve.

This multifaceted research approach lets PORAC tackle modern policing holistically — staffing shortages, officer wellness, school safety and beyond. Instead of leaning on membership size or mere opinions, we back our advocacy with hard data, strengthening our voice in state and federal policy discussions. When a legislator cites our staffing brief to fund recruitment, it shows our work resonates. We’re proud to be a go-to voice for law enforcement, focused on real solutions. Decision-makers listen because our positions rest on facts, front-line experience and a commitment to serving communities while honoring all who sacrifice for safety.

Honoring All Who Serve

As we commemorate our fallen peace officers this month, I also ask that we honor the military personnel who gave their lives for our country. Like us, they wore uniforms of service and stood watch to keep our communities and nation safe. Their sacrifices, whether on our streets or distant lands, reflect the highest dedication to protecting those we cherish. In the words of John F. Kennedy, “a nation reveals itself not only by the people it produces but also by the people it honors, the people it remembers.”

Standing in solemn remembrance this May, as candles flicker for our fallen, let us recommit to honoring their legacies by mentoring the next generation of officers and serving our communities with unwavering dedication. We must also pledge to support our fellow officers, advocating for the resources, training and wellness support they need to protect and thrive.