Members of the U.S. Capitol Police Honor Guard attend the 45th Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol, Friday, May 15, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Speaking during the 45th annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service on Friday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance quoted scripture as he thanked the families of fallen officers for their loved ones’ sacrifice.

The first officer Vance mentioned by name was Phillip Wagner of Lorain, Ohio, who was shot and killed in an ambush on July 4, 2025, while eating lunch in his patrol vehicle with another officer. When the officers called for help, another officer also came under attack.

Vance then turned to Maui Police Officer Suzanne O.

“Today we also honor heroes like Officer Suzanne O, a five-year veteran of the Maui County Police Department,” Vance said.

Vice President JD Vance speaks from behind glass at the 45th Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol, Friday, May 15, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Officer O was fatally shot on Aug. 15, 2025, while searching a dark field for a man accused of firing gunshots at the caretaker of the old Paia Sugar Mill.

“Amid the chaos, she and her fellow officers moved in, searching for the suspect to ensure the others would not be harmed by this violent criminal,” Vance said. “Officer O was mortally wounded while protecting her community, laying down her life in defense of the people that she loved and served every single day.

“She left behind a family of her own, a sister, three brothers, an adoring boyfriend and many other loved ones as well as a legacy — a legacy of quiet strength and a legacy of always putting the needs of others first, even when it requires the sacrifice of your own life. So today we honor Officer O and give thanks for her.”

Maui Police Officer Suzanne O. Photo courtesy MPD

Vance also noted that Officer O had received a certificate of merit for her efforts during the 2023 Maui wildfires two years before her death.

Her sacrifice has been recognized throughout National Police Week events in Washington, D.C., as Officer O was among the 363 names read aloud during the 38th annual Candlelight Vigil hosted by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund this week.

Families and law enforcement officers gathered in a steady rain for the solemn ceremony. The names included 109 officers who died in the line of duty in 2025 and 254 officers from previous years whose sacrifices were recently verified.

A delegation from the Maui Police Department attended the annual memorial events in Washington, including the addition of Officer O’s name to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, where her service and sacrifice will be honored alongside officers from across the nation.

Locally, the Maui Police Department is observing National Police Week by illuminating the Wailuku Police Station in blue throughout May.

The department said the lighting honors Officer O while also recognizing fallen officers and showing support for law enforcement personnel.

The department also thanked Maui County Council Vice Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura for coordinating the lighting initiative and Village Audio & Lighting for helping make the tribute possible.

National Police Week is observed annually to honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers and recognize those who continue serving communities across the country.

The Maui Police Department is honoring Officer Suzanne O as it recognizes National Police Week and honors law enforcement officers nationwide. Photo courtesy MPD