In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. We honor those that have lost their lives while serving their communities. During that week the MPD honored and commemorated the life of Merchantville Patrolman
William Bailey, who lost his life in the line of duty on September 7th, 1923. On this date Patrolman Bailey responded to a robbery call at the Merchantville Post Office. While attempting to arrest the perpetrators he was fatally wounded by gunfire. Since January 1st 2024there have been 58 line of duty deaths in the United States. In 2023 there were 137 line of duty deaths.