New Year’s Day marked the beginning of a significant number of celebrations planned across the nation and our state in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the founding of America and the 150th anniversary of Colorado statehood.

As a young child in 1976,  I remember many celebratory events held in honor of our nation’s bicentennial. Despite the division caused by the Vietnam War and Watergate, citizens united across the country, gathering together in unity to celebrate this significant milestone for America and her people.

The America 250-Colorado 150 Commission has been coordinating a number of special events with various museums and communities throughout Colorado to foster similar results this historic year.  In addition to recognizing those who helped shape our nation and establish this great state, I am confident that special recognition will appropriately focus on the outstanding service of our many veterans who have gallantly served our nation during the conflicts we have faced in the last 250 years.

In this spirit, the Denver Police Museum will be hosting a number of events this coming year to honor our police officers. The first event will be held today as we partner with the Blue Hat Foundation and the Denver Police Foundation to host a Police Appreciation Day in the City and County of Denver.  We also plan to host a series of events during each day’s Denver Police Roll Call to honor the service of nearly 8,000 officers who have chosen to serve our city since the founding of the Denver Police Department in 1859.

During the last 167 years of Denver Police history, we have lost 78 officers in the line of duty. 

Today’s date, Jan. 8, has special significance in the history of the Denver Police Department, as it marks the 106th anniversary of the End of Watch for Denver Police Officer James Ernest Boggio. 

James Ernest Boggio was born Dec. 1, 1895, in Silver Plume, Colorado, and grew up in Central City.  He worked as an express messenger before he joined the Denver Police Department on Feb. 14, 1918.  He left the department to serve our country in the American Expeditionary Force during World War I.  At the conclusion of the war, he returned to Denver and resumed his career in law enforcement. On Jan. 5, 1920, he was assisting a sergeant, a detective, and another officer as they were attempting to arrest Adrian Thompson, 26, a suspect in the murder of a local grocer three weeks earlier.  Thompson was a career criminal and deserter from the United States Marine Corps. The incident, at 1834 West 46th Ave., turned violent with Officer Boggio being fatally wounded and dying on Jan. 8, 1920, after unsuccessful surgical efforts to remove three bullets. Thompson was also killed during the shootout.

Patrolman Boggio was only 24 years old and was single, living with his family at 3535 Shoshone St., at the time of this incident. He was survived by his mother Margaret, sisters Frances and Jennie, and brothers Victor and Angelo. 

Officer Boggio’s story, unfortunately, is not unique and has been replayed literally thousands of times during our nation’s 250-year history. The unexpected and painful loss, the enduring sadness, and the continued sacrifices the families of these fallen heroes make must be remembered and acknowledged during this commemorative year. Just as our many soldiers and veterans paid the ultimate price for our freedom, our many first responders also gave their lives to ensure our communities are safe and justice prevailed for the victims of crime.

In recognition of that sacrifice, the Denver Police Museum has worked with the Sun Badge Company and the Denver Police Department to design a special commemorative badge to honor our first responders on the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding and Colorado’s 150th birthday. Officers individually purchased these badges and many will be wearing them this coming year.

Please take the time during 2026, to thank a first responder for their service to your community and pause to remember the many who have gone before them. Their important role in preserving the peace in Colorado communities ensures the safety and well-being of every citizen and a promising future for this great state.

Michael Hesse, a civic activist and history enthusiast, is president of the Denver Police Museum. He served as an appointee of President George H. W. Bush and as a chief of staff to two members of Congress.