National Police Week an event worth marking

Published 12:51 pm Tuesday, May 16, 2023

There are numerous people on the job every day who work to make things easier in our daily living – workers in grocery and convenience stores, delivery drivers, and those at restaurant drive-through windows, just to name a few.

But more people than these keep our society stable, of course. Law enforcement officers have long been recognized as essential. Every day, they are out on the job and keeping our communities safe.

That’s why it’s important to recognize National Police Week,which is being celebrated across the nation this week.

Some background from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund: “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.”

Officers we pay tribute to this week made the ultimate sacrifice. They did their jobs and paid a staggering price. Who else among us could accept such risks?

Imagine accepting an even greater risk, a more clear and present one, every single day as you go about your job. Imagine accepting the requirement of protecting and serving the public as a whole. And imagine doing it professionally and bravely throughout a long career.

In our community, some of us know our officers by name. They are family members or friends. Others of us can recognize our officers out of uniform in the store, at church, or at a ball game. Sometimes there is that gut reaction of ‘oh no’, when you might see the red-and-blue lights of police lights in your rearview mirror. It is important to remember that if you are pulled over, to be polite and respectful, as that police officer approaching to speak to you is only doing their job. They are keeping you, and the people around you safe.

National Police Week takes place this year from May 14 to 23. The week is meant to honor those who literally risk life and limb every day of their professional careers to contribute to the collective safety of their communities. It is a token of appreciation for those who give so much to so many — it’s certainly not enough, mind you, but it’s a nice gesture.

Our community should be proud of local efforts to thank the men and women who work so tirelessly on behalf of the people who visit, live or work here. While many of us sleep in our warm beds at night, they are the ones patrolling our neighborhoods, protecting our roads and defending our businesses.

On the behalf of all of us, we thank you. All of you.