The death of a young Northland police officer this past winter is a stark reminder of the dangers of law enforcement across the country.
This week is National Police Memorial Week - a time to honor the men and women who daily put their lives on the line for us.

Joel Runck has more on how Northland agencies are honoring those who died in the line of duty.

"I never believed that an officer gives his life-it is taken from him," said Michael Dunnill of Thuder Bay Police.

It's a dangerous and sometimes deadly line of work.
Earlier this year, Chippewa County Sheriff's Deputy Jason Zunker of Superior was killed while directing traffic at the scene of a truck fire.

He had worked for the Chippewa County Sheriff's office for five years.

"181 state, federal, and local law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty last year," said Gordon Ramsay, chief of the Duluth Police Department. "This is one of the highest figures in recent memory."

That's why Northland agencies came together today to say thanks to those who paid the ultimate price.

"We're grateful and so appreciative of the courageous work our officers are doing every day as they risk their lives in our communities protecting us," said Floyd Peters, chief of the Superior Police Department. "To them we say 'thank you.'"

Many other officials concur with Peters' statement.

"This day and week we remember those that have gone before us. The names we are reading are those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our communities," said Steve Stromback of the Minnesota State Patrol

Authorities today said more officers were killed in traffic-related incidents in 2007 than any other year in the nation's history.

"60 of those officers died in automobile crashes, 14 were struck and killed by vehicles and nine died in motorcycle crashes," said Ramsay.

But the danger for law enforcement agencies extends far beyond the roadways of America.

"The number of officers shot and killed in 2007 was 68, which was 31% - a 31% increase over the 52 officers killed by gunfire in 2006," said Ramsay.

Authorities say it's important for all citizens to acknowledge those who have paid the ultimate price for our safety.

"We have to remember those officer that have given their lives," said Dunnill.

Officials say a total of six Superior officers and seven Duluth officers have died in the line of duty.