January 9 is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Established six years ago, the day is meant to honor the men and women in blue who risk their own safety to protect us all.

“Over the past year, our nation’s law enforcement professionals have endured all kinds of unwarranted hostility and disrespect,” Fairfax GOP Chairman Steve Knotts said today. “Now more than ever, we owe them a debt of gratitude.”

In 2020, 307 officers died in the line of duty, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. In addition to a wave of riots, many officers were exposed to COVID-19 as they patrolled the nation’s streets.

To date in 2021, five officers are reported to have fallen in the line of duty. Among them was Officer Brian Sicknick, who died following Wednesday’s assault on the U.S. Capitol.

“Many details regarding Wednesday’s events and the direct causes of Brian’s injuries remain unknown, and our family asks the public and the press to respect our wishes in not making Brian’s passing a political issue,” the family said on Friday. “Brian is a hero and that is what we would like people to remember.”

Officer Lindsey Taylor, who served with Officer Sicknick, has organized a GoFundMe page for the family. GoFundMe has verified the authenticity of the page, according to Fox News.

“There are no words to describe the loss of Officer Brian Sicknick,” Officer Taylor writes. “He will forever be remembered for his bravery and service to our country as a member of the military and a United States Capitol Police Officer.”