National Police Week occurs each year during the week of May 15th.
Established by Congress by joint resolution and signed into law by President
John F. Kennedy on October 1, 1962 the week recognizes the service and
sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement. In 1984 President Bill Clinton signed an
amended law directing the U.S. Flag to be displayed at half-staff on all
government buildings on May 15th each year. During National Police Week there
are vigils, ceremonies’ and fundraising events to remember and help those
affected by the loss of a law enforcement officer. The culmination on a
national scale is at the National Law Enforcement Memorial Service where
officers from all over the United States gather to remember those who have
fallen in the line of duty on May 15th at the U.S. Capitol. Locally we
also celebrate National Police Week & National Peace Officers Memorial
Day. As Chief of Police of the Richland Police Department I am proud to say
that we are involved in several activities during the week. For example
on May 13th RPD personnel volunteered their time to help The
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 with a memorial fundraising campaign where
$1,400.00 was raised. Officers and professional staff of this department
strive every day to demonstrate our products of Safety and Service.
During this week we had several community
partners who showed their appreciation to the men and women of the Richland
Police Department. Whether it be by expressing it to an officer they see,
sending an email, posts to social media, by donating to the memorial fund,
sending a thank you card in the mail, or meals and treats brought into the
office for my staff. Your recognition and thanks are appreciated and we
are humbled by them. I personally and on behalf of the employees of the
Richland Police Department wish to express our gratitude to our community
partners. Thank you Pasco WINGSTOP, Fat Olives, Ethos Bakery & Catering
and the many private citizens that helped make National Police Week at the
Richland Police Department a great one.
Sincerely,
