Needed $160,000 – Raised $50,000
Submitted by Aileen Johnson, President, Minneapolis Police Honor Guard and Color Guard Foundation
National Police Week, an annual observance in May, will be celebrated in 2025 with live, in-person events. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund will organize various ceremonies, including the 37th Annual Candlelight Vigil, to honor the recently added names to the Memorial of fallen officers.
Established in 1962 through a joint resolution of Congress and signed by President Kennedy, National Police Week pays special tribute to law enforcement officers who have sacrificed their lives while serving and protecting the public.
Each year, Police Week draws approximately 25,000 to 40,000 visitors, including 10,000 police officers, to the nation’s capital. Attendees from across the country and the world make it a truly national celebration.
National Police Week is a collaborative effort involving numerous organizations dedicated to honoring America’s law enforcement community. It also provides an excellent opportunity for police officers to network with colleagues from different regions and learn from each other’s experiences.
In the Twin Cities last year, Minneapolis Police Officer Jamal Mitchell tragically lost his life after being ambushed while responding to a shooting call. Additionally, Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge from the Burnsville Police Department also made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities in February 2024. They are 3 of the 163 police officers in the US who died in the line of duty in 2024 and will be honored this May.
In recognition of these fallen officers, the Burnsville Police Department will send a substantial contingent to honor their memory and legacy.
The City of Minneapolis has no intention of contributing funds to send Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) representatives to the Wall of Honor ceremony. Furthermore, there’s no additional money in the MPD budget to fund this initiative. In previous years, the Minneapolis Police Honor Guard and Color Guard Foundation (EIN 83-1589356) has been responsible for paying to send 2 to 4 officers annually to represent the entire MPD.
This year, the MPD is hoping to send a larger contingent, including Jamal’s fiancée and children, as well as officers from his shift. This will allow them to be present for the placement of Jamal’s name on the Wall of Honor, participate in vigils and ceremonies, and attend resource sessions throughout the week.
Since its founding in 1857, 50 MPD officers have lost their lives in the line of duty. It’s a profoundly sad experience for families to lose a loved one, and for the community to lose a well-respected officer. For MPD officers, Jamal’s loss is still deeply felt, and his unwavering commitment to serving and protecting Minneapolis will never be forgotten. Jamal embodied the very best of MPD and exemplified the highest standards of policing in America today.
Officer Jamal Mitchell, badge number 4819, tragically lost his life on May 30, 2024, after being ambushed while responding to a shooting call.
During his service with the Minneapolis Police Department, Officer Mitchell made a remarkable impact. On his third day on the job, he heroically rescued an elderly couple from a burning home. In 2024, his bravery was further recognized with the posthumous award of the Minnesota Medal of Honor and a Purple Heart.
Officer Mitchell is survived by his fiancée and their three children, aged 5, 7, and 9, and his stepson, who is 20 years old.
In response to Officer Mitchell’s passing, we are organizing a fundraising campaign to ensure that his memory lives on. Our goal is to raise an additional $110,000 of the $160,000 needed to send MPD’s appropriate representation to National Police Week and honor Officer Mitchell’s legacy. Every donation, regardless of size, will contribute to this meaningful cause.
Please send checks to:
Minneapolis Police Honor Guard and Color Guard Foundation
350 S 5th St, Room 130
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Attention: Aileen Johnson
Or Donate on line:
https://mplspolicehonorguard.org/ or https://mplspolicehonorguard.org/donate/
