Every May, thousands of Law Enforcement Officers, families, and supporters gather from across the country in Washington D.C. for National Police Week. This week is dedicated to honoring officers who have died or have been wounded in the line of duty. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy declared May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week surrounding that date to be National Police Week.
National Police Week
This week-long event is put together by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, the Fraternal Order of Police and Concerns of Police Survivors, along with many other organizations fundraising and participating. National Police Week is a culmination of services and events such as the LawRide motorcade, the finish line for the Police Unity Tour, candlelight vigils, conferences, and the annual Peace Officers’ Memorial Service. This year 307 police officers will be honored by having their names added to the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, where already over 21,000 officers have been commemorated.
How to Participate
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the services and events have been canceled this year, but there are still ways to participate and show your respect for these officers.
Virtual Candlelight Vigil: Hosted by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, a virtual candlelight vigil will be held on Wednesday May13, 2020 at 8:00pm Eastern Time. All donations made to participate in the vigil go towards the upkeep of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
Donate to the Peace Officers’ Memorial Service: For 39 years the Fraternal Order of Police has organized the Peace Officer’ Memorial Service but has had to cancel this year. Donate to help support the 40th Annual Memorial Service next year.
Donate to Blue H.E.L.P.: Blue H.E.L.P. raises awareness about mental health and suicide among law enforcement officers. In 2019, Blue H.E.L.P. sponsored 40 families’ trips to Police Week and hosted a dinner in their honor.
Register for a C.O.P.S. Walk: Concerns of Police Survivors provide support and services to families and co-workers of officers killed in the line of duty. Each year C.O.P.S. hosts several walks in memory of those officers.
Make a purchase through the National Police Week Store. You can find a variety of promotional merchandise, like t-shirts, lanyards and hats!
Support the Police Unity Tour: Biking over 300 miles in the span of four days is no small feat, but the officers who ride with the Police Unity Tour do it for their fallen brothers and sisters. “We Ride for Those Who Died.” Help support next year's ride!
This year, May 10th-16th is National Police Week. Show your support for fallen officers, whether it be by donating, participating in awareness events, or creating a supportive post on social media and tagging your local agencies. Simply taking the time to thank an officer for all that they do is an excellent way to show your support.
