Police Week 2004

(TITUSVILLE, FL) If there is just one week each year, and one specific day during that week that defines the law enforcement profession it is Police Week and Peace Officer’s Memorial Day (Week of May 9-15, 2004...and specifically Saturday, May 15th). By Act of Congress during the Kennedy administration, this special time to honor our brother and sister “Heroes In Blue” was mandated. Now, as the decades pass, it is up to us, the law enforcement officers, family survivors, and concerned citizens to ensure that Police Week is a time that is hallowed and honored both in our own communities and throughout the nation. The American Police Hall of Fame has, for four decades, held special ceremonies during Police Week to honor those officers who have died in the line of duty, both in the past calendar year and throughout the great history of our nation. You are encouraged to participate in Police Week events in your community or to join us at the American Police Hall of Fame on Florida’s Space Coast for what promises to be not only a commemoration of Heroes past, but a glimpse of the future of policing, as guests tour our new 50,000 square foot interactive museum...many for the first time. Executive Director Makes Inroads As in past years, Executive Director Donna Shepherd has planned events which will include a banquet to honor family survivors and to announce the APHF Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, selected from among those heroic law enforcement officers who attained the Silver Star for Bravery award during the past calendar year. This year promises to be a unique event, with a banquet scheduled to be held at the Kennedy Space Center utilizing four-star Chefs and a backdrop that spotlights the United States Space Program and NASA’s new mandate for the next decade. May 15th events at the Police Hall of Fame will include the reading of the names of officers killed in the line of duty, presentation of a wreath to honor those heroes who have paid the supreme sacrifice and a host of flower arrangements sent by survivor families from coast to coast. These arrangements are placed in the police memorial near the names of the nearly 8,000 beloved heroes who have paid the supreme sacrifice. Each officer’s name, rank, city, state and departmental affiliation are etched in the marble walls of this breathtaking memorial. Donna has planned a program that celebrates patriotism, valor and hope. Many surprises are planned as the community support in Brevard County and in the City of Titusville has been unparalleled! Department Program No matter what size your police department is, you can and should be involved in a salute to law enforcement during Police Week. For a start, every uniformed officer should wear a mourning band on their badge or star. The U.S. Flag should be at half mast. If possible a county-wide service should be held in which the names of officers who died in the line of duty nationwide are read. This list is available from Family Survivors Coordinator Juanita Dycus here at the Police Museum. Simply call 321-264-0911 and ask for Juanita (or leave a message with your address and phone on her voice mail). We are happy to provide the list at no cost, as a program service. The U.S. flag at every government building should also be at half mast. If your department has an officer who died in the line of duty his or her family should be contacted and asked to be present at a ceremony. If you are a concerned citizen, we suggest that you contact the “public information officer” of your local department to ensure that the department is recognizing Police Week in some way. You should not let Police Week go by without honoring those officers who protect our lives and property 24/7! Radio Stations We have obtained, through the good graces of singer Pat Boone, a magnificent cassette tape with the song and poem “A Part of America Died”. You may obtain a copy at our cost of $10 (includes shipping) by writing to APHF PAT BOONE TAPE, 6350 Horizon Drive, Titusville FL 32780. (Make checks payable to APHF) You might bring the tape to your local radio station and request it be played on May 15th in honor of law enforcement officers in your community and throughout the nation. Churches A letter should be sent from the local Sheriff or Police Chief to every local church on the Sunday before Police Week (Sunday May 9th), so they can suggest to their congregation that prayers be offered for the safety of all our men and women in Blue. Awards In this issue you will find listed a series of national awards and medals that are available for police and citizens. Each medal comes with citations based on standards set by our organization over three decades ago. This is the time to recognize officers for acts of valor, or for years of honorable service. Those officers who have conducted themselves in such a manner as to bring honor to our profession should be cited, as well. At times these officers’ deeds are often forgotten and this is the time of year that we have the opportunity to recognize them. Mayor’s Proclamation The Mayor can issue a proclamation that calls upon the community to honor its police and sheriff’s departments and all peace officers. A suggested proclamation is printed in this issue. The main focus is that Police Week is the time of the year to herald our Heroes in Blue, and whether it be here, at the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum, or in your local community YOU SHOULD BE INVOLVED!