Honoring AFSCME Heroes at National Law Enforcement Week Vigil

Candlelight Vigil Honors Fallen Officers During National Law Enforcement Week

The solemn ambiance of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., was palpable as more than 100 AFSCME members gathered to commemorate officers who lost their lives in the line of duty last year. This event was a crucial part of the National Law Enforcement Week, marked by the annual candlelight vigil where the names of the fallen are respectfully read aloud.

Among those honored were five officers represented by AFSCME who passed away in 2024. The vigil is just one of many events designed to pay tribute to fallen officers and provide support to their families and colleagues. Each year, the names of these brave individuals are inscribed onto the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, a monument recognizing their ultimate sacrifice.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders highlighted the unwavering dedication of these officers, stating, “No matter the emergency, AFSCME members in law enforcement never hesitate and they never quit. They are selfless in the face of danger, putting the safety of others before their own.” He also emphasized the union's commitment to supporting officers with better training, equipment, and staffing.

The vigil brought profound reflections from attendees, including Ron Walsh, corrections superintendent for the Schenectady County, N.Y., Sheriff’s Office and president of AFSCME Council 82. “It's a very somber event, and always strikes a nerve with me,” Walsh noted, reflecting on the poignant scenes of families who have lost loved ones.

The fallen officers whose names were added to the memorial include:

• Andrew J. Faught, a 27-year-old correctional sergeant with the Illinois Department of Corrections, represented by AFSCME Local 494 (Council 31).
• Daniel M. Kerstetter, a 45-year-old motor carrier officer with the Michigan State Police, represented by the Michigan State Employees Association (MSEA/AFSCME Local 5).
• Andrew S. Lansing, a 25-year correctional officer with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, represented by the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association (OCSEA/AFSCME Local 11).
• Corey P. Proulx, a two-year youth counselor with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, represented by AFSCME Council 32.
• Davis G. Martinez, a 33-year-old agent with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, represented by AFSCME Local 3661 (Maryland Council 3).

Rayneika Robinson, president of Local 3661, attended the ceremonies specifically to honor Martinez. “This is my first time attending the national memorial and candlelit vigil. I'm here to pay my respects and honor my colleague, who was murdered a year ago this month,” she expressed. “This is a time to come together, support the family, and honor the work and the life of my colleague."