Remembering Those Who Served: National Police Week
Every May, the COPS Office actively participates in honoring the memory of the men and women of law enforcement who have given their lives while performing their duties as an officer or deputy. Each year, tens of thousands of survivors and supporters of law enforcement come to Washington, D.C., to pay tribute to those who have chosen to serve their communities every day, and to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This year, the COPS Office was proud to have many staffers involved in several of the activities that took place during National Police Week (May 10–17).
COPS Office Director Ronald Davis represented the COPS Office in various capacities at events throughout the week. Davis, alongside Associate Attorney General Tony West, participated in such events as the National Police Week 5k, the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund’s Candlelight Vigil, and the Peace Officers Memorial Service. Davis also delivered remarks to the National Association of Police Organizations Congressional Luncheon to update the members about COPS Office initiatives.
COPS Office staffers also had the chance to show their support through various events. On May 10, COPS Office employees, alongside Davis and West, honored Police Week by waking up on that fair Saturday morning to participate in the annual National Police Week 5k race in downtown Washington, D.C. With over 1,700 racers attending, and thousands of dollars raised for the Officer Down Memorial Page and Concerns of Police Survivors, the event was a great way for staff to come together in memoriam of fallen officers and run near the National Police Memorial. During Police Week itself, several employees also volunteered to help staff the COPS Office Booth in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) office building located at 2CON Square. They gladly answered questions and handed out important Police Week information to fellow DOJ colleagues while speaking to what the COPS Office is all about. In addition, the External Affairs and Publishing & Creative Resources Divisions designed several posters to put on display throughout the month of May at the RFK Main Justice Building to highlight the COPS Office commitment to officer safety and wellness and the importance of the events being held during Police Week.
Another important annual event that took place was the 2014 COPS Office Open House. Held in the United States Capitol on May 14, COPS Office staff provided resources and information to law enforcement visiting the Capitol and gave members and Hill staffers a convenient way to discover more about the COPS Office grant program requirements and previous funding from the office.
While Police Week passes too quickly each year, the COPS Office remains committed to providing resources to law enforcement throughout the year. As we enter the summer and prepare to award funding to police departments and sheriff’s offices around the nation, the COPS Office is well aware of the tough decisions law enforcement agencies must make with respect to deploying limited resources, and we are confident that our funding will have a tremendous impact throughout the country.
Danielle Ouellette
Intergovernmental and Public Liaison Specialist, COPS Office
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