Police week event honors law enforcement

National Police Week honors law enforcement officers and lives lost in the line of duty

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Sunday, May 18, marks the last day of National Police Week.

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week it falls within as National Police Week.

The week gives special recognition to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

Tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converged in Washington, D.C., this week to participate in a number of planned events that honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

At Fairview’s City Council meeting Wednesday night, May 15, Police Chief Ken Johnson, immediate past president of the Oregon Chiefs of Police, urged citizens to join him in honoring fallen officers and their families by pausing for a moment of silence.

He also encouraged citizens to tell officers how much you appreciate what they do to keep citizens safe.

In a statement released to the public, Johnson recalled the tragic terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and at the Boston Marathon on April 13.

“Those horrific events helped us realize that fighting terrorists is not just the duty of our military,” he wrote. “Dedicated local state and federal police officers, deputy sheriffs and state troopers risk their lives every day to keep our homeland safe and secure.”

Johnson extended a special thank you to the dedicated men and women of the Fairview Police Department. “Please know that you are respected, honored and appreciated,” he said.

The Fairview Police Department, a state accredited, national award-winning police agency that uses community policing and problem solving as the foundation of its values and mission, has 14 officers on staff: one chief, three sergeants, one detective, and nine patrol officers, who include a school resource officer and a gang enforcement officer.

Other local agencies acknowledging their departments during National Police Week include:

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The 24 sworn officers of the Troutdale Police Department, for their dedication to the safety of their community and excellence in customer service, as well as the men and women from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office serving Wood Village and Corbett.

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The 120 sworn officers of the Gresham Police Department, for their commitment to protecting life and property, preventing crime, reducing fear and providing for a safe environment in the city of Gresham.

Words seem inadequate, Johnson said, to those who have lost loved ones, family members and friends in the line of duty. “From the bottom of our heart, thank you. We are thinking about you and your sacrifices.”