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Show your appreciation for law enforcement officers on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, January 9! This holiday was created in 2015 to honor the brave men and women who put their lives on the line each day to protect our communities. It's an opportunity to recognize all of their hard work and dedication throughout the year, from keeping us safe at home to protecting us abroad. Whether you give a special thank you or treat them with a small gesture such as flowers or dinner, this is one day that everyone can come together and show how much we appreciate them.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1636</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Law Enforcement Agency</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first known organized law enforcement system in the United States, the Boston Watch, was established.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1845</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of NYPD</div><div class='timeline-text'>New York City forms its first official police department, setting a precedent for modern law enforcement agencies in America.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1871</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Secret Service Formation</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United States Secret Service, initially established to suppress counterfeit currency, was formed, later expanding its responsibilities to include presidential security.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1962</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Police Week Proclamation</div><div class='timeline-text'>President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as Police Week.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Formation of Department of Homeland Security</div><div class='timeline-text'>Post 9/11, the Department of Homeland Security was formed to coordinate and oversee national security in response to terrorist threats.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Organizations across the U.S. came collectively to celebrate the first National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on January 9, 2015.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write an appreciation letter</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to write a heartfelt letter of appreciation to your local law enforcement agency or individual officer. Express your gratitude for all that they do to keep your family, friends, and community safe.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a police event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look up events in your local area that celebrate National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. These events give you the opportunity to show support and meet the officers in person.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share a kind word</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to thank an officer for their service whenever you encounter one in public. Even a simple “thank you” can make a difference.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Hosting a fundraiser is an effective way to show your appreciation. Whether it’s raising money for charities related to law enforcement or buying supplies and equipment, showing your support through financial contributions helps make a difference.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear blue clothing</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your support for law enforcement by wearing blue on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Encourage your friends and family members to join you in wearing blue as well.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It shows appreciation for the sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every single day to protect and serve our communities. National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is a time to honor these courageous men and women for the tremendous sacrifice they have made in order to keep us safe.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings attention to the dangers of being a police officer</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Every year, thousands of police officers are killed or injured in the line of duty. These brave individuals deserve recognition for their dedication and bravery, as well as increased safety measures that can help reduce preventable deaths from occurring.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Law Enforcement Agencies Exist on Multiple Levels</h3><p class='facts-content'>In the United States, law enforcement agencies operate at local, state, and federal levels - such as local police departments, state troopers, and federal agencies like the FBI or DEA.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Over 800,000 Sworn Law Enforcement Officers Are Serving Today</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, as of 2016, there were over 800,000 sworn law enforcement officers serving in different departments across the United States.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Law Enforcement Officers Undergo Rigorous Training</h3><p class='facts-content'>Officers in the US must undergo extensive training, typically at a police academy, in areas such as law, ethics, community relations, firearms training, emergency response and more.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Each Officer Swears an Oath to Protect the Constitution and Citizens</h3><p class='facts-content'>When being sworn in, every officer commits to an oath promising to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States and protect the rights of its citizens.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Was Created to Honor these Civil Servants</h3><p class='facts-content'>In light of recent negativity directed towards law enforcement nationally, National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was created to show law enforcement officers that citizens recognize their difficult and sometimes impossible career choices.</p></div></div>
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is celebrated on January 9 every year. In 2024 National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Jan 9
Monday
2024
Jan 9
Tuesday
2025
Jan 9
Thursday
2026
Jan 9
Friday
2027
Jan 9
Saturday
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