National Police Week May 11-17

This week, May 11-17 is National Police Week. In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

Luckily, there were no police officers in Maine that lost their lives while on duty last year. A roll call of fallen officers that were added to the Law Enforcement Memorial may be found HERE

I have a neighbor that works for the Bangor Police Department, and another that just retired from that Department. I know the long hours they work, and have worked, it's not just 8 hour shifts. They put themselves on the line, dealing with the public, when the public is often acting at it's worst, or in circumstances that you and I would never want to be part of, and then they go home and interact with their family. They give of themselves willingly, whether it's for Special OIympics, PAL Organizations, Every 15 Minute Programs, or other civic programs, and they do so, without a large compensation package.

This week, when you see a Police Officer, take a moment, thank them for doing their job. You would be surprised what a simple thank you will mean.