FRANKLIN

This is National Police Week (May 12-18), and in observance of National Peace Officers Memorial Day — which is today, May 15 — the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police recommends that all state law enforcement agencies shroud their badges in accordance with individual agency policy as a tribute to all of the local, state and federal peace officers who have died, or who have been disabled, in the line of duty.

Governor Ralph S. Northam issued the following proclamation recognizing the occasions.

WHEREAS, in 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed the first proclamation recognizing May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week; and

WHEREAS, police officers throughout our Commonwealth work tirelessly to protect and serve citizens across the Commonwealth, enforce our laws, and keep our neighborhoods, schools, and families safe; and

WHEREAS, police officers report for duty aware of the sacrifices they may be called upon to make and risk their lives each and every day in order to safeguard the public and enforce the laws of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, we reflect upon the selfless dedication and bravery of our local, state, and other public sector police, as our safety and well-being is promoted by their devotion to maintaining peace and security in our communities; and

WHEREAS, Virginia Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day are opportunities to honor officers who have fallen in the line of duty, and recognize the sacrifices made by the families of those officers and the families of those who continue to protect and serve our communities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ralph S. Northam, do hereby recognize May 12-18, 2019, asVIRGINIA POLICE WEEK, and May 15, 2019, as PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call these observances to the attention of all our citizens.