'A solemn reminder': National Police Week begins in Texas in midst of loss of two police officers in the line of duty

National Police Week runs from May 9 to May 15 this year. 

It was established in 1962, when President John F. Kennedy declared May 15 to be National Police Officers Memorial Day and whatever week in which it falls to be National Police Week. The proposal was approved by Congress that year. 

The purpose of National Police Week is to honor police officers who died while protecting others. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton added his voice to that tribute May 10.

"In honor of #NationalPoliceWeek, take time to remember the law enforcement officers who courageously gave their lives protecting Texans," Paxton said in a post to his Twitter account. "Thank you for your bravery, valor and strength to keep #Texas stronger, safer and more just."

This year in Texas, National Police Week has a deeper meaning as two police officers were killed on duty in Concho County recently. The names of the fallen officers have not yet been publicly released. There was an official statement from the Lubbock Police Department.

"The Lubbock Police Department is heartbroken at the loss of two Concho County Sheriff’s Deputies who were killed in the line of duty Monday evening," a post from the department's official Facebook page said. "Our department will escort the bodies of the two deputies to South Plains Forensic Pathology, located at 202 Avenue Q.The route will begin around 10:30 a.m. at 114th and I-27, proceed north on I-27 before exiting onto the Marsha Sharp Freeway, heading west, and then exiting onto Avenue Q. We ask the public to be aware of this escort and to allow our officers space in these rainy conditions. We appreciate your cooperation and ask you to lift up the families, both blood and blue, of these two heroes."

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also commented.

"Our hearts go out to the family & friends of two Concho County Sheriff’s deputies who were killed in the line of duty last night," Abbott said in a post to his Twitter account. "This terrible loss is a solemn reminder of the risks our brave law enforcement officers face while protecting our communities."

According to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, there are 2,735 agencies and 78,582 licensed police officers.