WASHINGTON, D.C. — This year’s National Police Week holds special meaning for Pickaway County, as Detective Rex Emrick will be enshrined in the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., a solemn honor recognizing his service and sacrifice.
Pickaway County Fallen Detective Emrick, who was recently added to the Ohio Fallen Officers Memorial, will now be permanently remembered alongside thousands of fellow heroes who gave their lives in the line of duty for the protection of others.
Deputy Emrick devoted nearly 47 years to law enforcement, all but the first 18 months with the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office. Along the way, law enforcement organizations and civic groups formally recognized his numerous accomplishments with awards and citations. True to form, though, Deputy Emrick, who most recently worked as a detective for the sheriff’s office, always deflected attention away from himself and toward his law enforcement colleagues: “In a small department, it takes everyone to make successful arrests.”
Deputy Emrick died of complications from COVID-19 in January 2021, five weeks shy of his 70th birthday. Emrick was honored in the 37th Annual Ohio Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony last week that story here: https://www.sciotopost.com/central-ohio-lights-up-blue-to-honor-fallen-officers-pickaway-county-detective-rex-emrick-among-honorees/
His enshrinement comes as part of National Police Week, a tradition that dates back to 1962, when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week it falls in as Police Week. The national memorial and its associated events serve as a time to honor fallen officers, support their families, and recognize the sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel across the country.
What began in 1982 as a modest gathering of 120 people has since grown into a series of major events drawing 25,000 to 40,000 officers and survivors annually from across the United States and around the world. Events during the week include the Candlelight Vigil, where the names of fallen officers are read aloud, and the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service, sponsored by the National Fraternal Order of Police.
These tributes will be streamed live via the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund’s YouTube, Facebook, and X platforms, ensuring that even those who cannot attend in person can witness the moving ceremonies.
As flags across the country fly at half-staff on May 15, Detective Emrick’s name will be etched into the national memory — a lasting reminder of his dedication, courage, and ultimate sacrifice.
For more information or to watch the ceremonies online, visit nleomf.org.
