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Get ready to honor and appreciate our brave police officers on National Police Week, which falls on May 15 this year. This week-long event has been observed since 1962 as a way to remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty and show support for current law enforcement officers. It's a time to recognize the sacrifices that these men and women make every day to keep our communities safe. From parades and ceremonies to simple acts of gratitude, there are many ways you can participate in National Police Week and show your support for these everyday heroes.
<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'>National Police Week Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726, designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which the date falls as Police Week.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1982</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Memorial Service</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first National Police Officers' Memorial Service took place in Senate Park, attracting about 120 survivors and supporters of law enforcement.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1991</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Dedication of National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial was formally dedicated in Washington, D.C., honouring over 20,000 officers who have died in duty since 1791.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Growing Observance</div><div class='timeline-text'>By 2000, the annual Memorial Service drew more than 20,000 officers, survivors, and supporters, reflecting the growing observance of the National Police Week.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2018</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Extension of Police Week Activities</div><div class='timeline-text'>Activities for National Police Week were extended to a full week of seminars, workshops, and other events to further honor and remember fallen officers.</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'>Attend a community event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for local events celebrating National Police Week and attend one with your family and friends. This is a great way to show support for your local law enforcement and learn more about their work.</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'>Thank a police officer</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to thank a police officer for their service. You can write a thank you note, buy them a cup of coffee, or simply say "thank you" when you see them on duty. It will mean a lot to them.</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'>Donate to a police charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your support for law enforcement by donating to a police charity or organization. This could be in the form of money, supplies, or even volunteering your time at their events or fundraisers.</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 community cookout</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your neighbors and friends and organize a community cookout to honor police officers in your area. This is a great way to bring people together and show appreciation for the hard work of law enforcement.</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'>Educate yourself on police work</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to learn more about the responsibilities and challenges faced by police officers. Attend a community forum or seminar, or read books and articles written by law enforcement professionals.</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 honors and remembers fallen officers</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Police Week is an important time to pay tribute to police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It allows us to honor their bravery, sacrifice, and dedication to keeping our communities 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 awareness to the dangers of being a police officer</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Police work can be incredibly dangerous, and National Police Week highlights the risks that these individuals face every day while serving their communities. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices they make in order to protect and serve others.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It recognizes the hard work and dedication of all law enforcement officers</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Police Week is a time to appreciate and thank all law enforcement officers for their tireless efforts in keeping our communities safe. These individuals put their lives on the line every day, and it's important to show gratitude for their service.</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 Officers Run High Risk of Job-Related Injuries</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, police and sheriff's patrol officers have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations, highlighting their everyday dedication and resilience.</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'>There are More Than 800,000 Sworn Law Enforcement Officers in the US</h3><p class='facts-content'>Serving our communities nationwide, these individuals put their lives on the line daily, creating a fold of protection around citizens.</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'>Canine Units are Powerful Assets</h3><p class='facts-content'>Canine units in police forces perform a variety of tasks, including search and rescue, sniffing out drugs or explosives, and tracking suspects - demonstrating the spread of bravery across different species!</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'>Police Uniform Colors Have Meaning</h3><p class='facts-content'>The predominant colors of police uniforms - black, blue and green - are chosen to emphasize authority, make the police distinct, promote a calming influence and provide camouflage respectively.</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'>More Than Just Crime Fighters</h3><p class='facts-content'>Beyond maintaining law and order, police officers serve in diverse roles like emergency management, public education and awareness campaigns, mediation and conflict resolution, and many more - exemplifying their multi-faceted contribution to society.</p></div></div>
National Police Week is celebrated on May 15 every year. In 2024 National Police Week will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
May 15
Monday
2024
May 15
Wednesday
2025
May 15
Thursday
2026
May 15
Friday
2027
May 15
Saturday
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