San Rafael Police Department

NATIONAL POLICE WEEK 2026 – WHY WE SERVE:

As we continue to recognize National Police Week 2026, the San Rafael Police Department is proud to share a special video featuring some of our officers discussing why they chose law enforcement and what it means to serve the San Rafael community.

Behind every badge is a person with a story, a purpose, and a commitment to helping others. In this video, our officers reflect on the experiences, values, and community connections that inspired them to become police officers and dedicate themselves to public service.

National Police Week is not only a time to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but also an opportunity to recognize the men and women who continue serving our communities each day with professionalism, compassion, and integrity.

We are grateful to our officers for their dedication and thankful to the San Rafael community for the continued support and partnership that helps make our city a safer place for everyone.

SRPD PARTICIPATES IN LOCAL AND NATIONAL POLICE WEEK CEREMONIES:

Today, members of the San Rafael Police Department joined our local law enforcement partners at the Marin County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony hosted by the Marin County Sheriff's Office to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.

At the national level, the San Rafael Police Department also attended ceremonies at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., where Constable Dennis Haley was formally recognized and added to the memorial wall. Constable Haley was killed in the line of duty in downtown San Rafael on October 12, 1884, while protecting our community. More than 140 years later, his sacrifice is finally receiving the national recognition it deserves.

During this year’s National Police Week ceremonies, we also pause to remember the 111 law enforcement officers across the United States who lost their lives in the line of duty during 2025. Their courage, dedication, and selfless service will never be forgotten.

Today, we honor all fallen officers, support the families and loved ones they left behind, and reaffirm our commitment to carrying forward their legacy of service and sacrifice.

SRPD’s CONSTABLE DENNIS HALEY HONORED AT NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS MEMORIAL:

During National Police Week 2026 and Peace Officers Memorial Day, the San Rafael Police Department proudly honors the memory and sacrifice of Constable Dennis Haley, who was killed in the line of duty in 1884 while protecting the San Rafael community.

On October 12, 1884, Constable Haley was patrolling Fourth Street in downtown San Rafael when he had a confrontation with an armed suspect. The encounter turned violent, and Haley was shot in the chest. He succumbed to his injuries three days later, leaving behind his wife and four children.

For more than 140 years, Constable Haley’s sacrifice remained almost forgotten outside of historical records — until the dedicated work of retired SRPD Corporal Harry Barbier brought his story back into the light. Through years of meticulous research and determination, Corporal Barbier uncovered the details of Haley’s service and ultimate sacrifice, leading to the successful effort to have Constable Haley formally recognized by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Today, May 13, 2026, Constable Dennis Haley will officially be honored and included in the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during this year’s National Police Week ceremonies.

Although generations have passed since his death, Dennis Haley remains part of our law enforcement family and the proud history of the San Rafael Police Department. We are deeply grateful to Retired Corporal Harry Barbier for his unwavering commitment to preserving our history and ensuring Constable Haley receives the recognition he so rightfully deserves.

We will never forget Constable Dennis Haley and those who gave their lives in service to others.

NATIONAL POLICE WEEK AND PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY:

National Police Week is a time for law enforcement agencies across the nation to honor the courage, sacrifice, and service of the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting their communities. Established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, National Police Week includes National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, observed annually on May 15, to recognize officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty. This year, National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day will be observed on Friday, May 15, 2026.

This week, we stand together to honor National Police Week and Peace Officer Memorial Day – a time to reflect, remember, and pay tribute.

This year holds special meaning for the San Rafael Police Department as we honor the memory of Night Watchman and Constable Dennis Haley, who was killed in the line of duty in 1884 while serving the San Rafael Community.

May 15th reminds us that their light still lives on, in our work, in our service, and in our commitment to protecting others. Their courage continues through every call we answer, every person we help, and every moment we choose to serve.

We remember the fallen, we support the living, and we remain committed to serving our San Rafael Community with pride, integrity, and heart. We will never forget.