National Police Week

This week, May 9-15, is National Police Week. What is National Police Week? In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

This week normally attracts large crowds in our Nations Capital supported with a week of events to honor the fallen. The Covid-19 pandemic has postponed most of the week. Many of in person events will take place in October. There will be a smaller virtual candlelight vigil and a reading of the 394 being inscribed on the police memorial wall on may 13th at 8pm. The vigil can be viewed on the Police Week website.

We can pay tribute this week by saying thank you to our law enforcement officers. You can also show your support on facebook by posting a message in support of law enforcement.

This month, in support of National Police Week and our way of thanking our local law enforcement, the Town of Hempstead launched our first “Thank a Law Enforcement Officer” #CardsForCops campaign. Thank a Law Enforcement Program recognizes these officers by asking students to construct cards that include a message of gratitude to the men and woman who serve in Law Enforcement. We will be distributing these cards to local Law Enforcement during #NationalPoliceWeek to thank our local Law Enforcement.

I want to personally thank all of our friends and neighbors who serve or served in law enforcement. It takes someone special to place themselves in harms way for the benefit of others. Thank you for your service! We are forever on your debt.

Christopher Carini is a Town of Hempstead Councilman for the Fifth Councilmanic District. He also served twenty two years as a Police Officer with the NYPD, MTA PD and Port Authority Police Department of New York and New Jersey.