National Police Week to Memorialize Fallen Officers

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) is hosting its annual National Police Week commemoration in Washington, D.C., May 15 to 21. The week, centered around National Peace Officers Memorial Day recognized every year on May 15, will begin with a series of events, including the 17th annual Candlelight Vigil, held on May 13 at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the vigil. A reading of the new names engraved on the memorial will follow the ceremony.

Various events will take place over the course of National Police Week to recognize fallen officers and their families and to help raise money for the NLEOMF.

More than 700 cyclists participated in the 2005 Police Unity Tour and brought in $750,000 in donations. They left Livingston, N.J., on May 9 and traveled through Delaware and Maryland to finish in Washington today to deliver their donations to the NLEOMF.

The week will also include “C.O.P.S. Kids,” hosted by Concerns of Police Survivors, on May 13 and 14. The program was established to help children who have lost a parent from a line-of-duty death. Staff members and professionals monitor and assess children’s emotional well-being, listen, and provide guidance for children who wish to talk about certain issues, while children participate in two days of fun activities. After National Police Week ends staff members give the results of each emotional assessment to parents so they can determine if more counseling might be necessary.

Other events to be held throughout the week include the Law Ride Charity Poker Run, the Third Annual Steve Young Honor Guard Competition, the 10th Annual Law Ride, the 24th annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day Services, the 10th Annual Emerald Society & Pipeband March and Service, and the FOP/FOPA Wreath-laying Ceremony.

For more information on events in the nation’s capital, visit www.policeweek.org. Memorial events are being held throughout the country.