Honoring Police Officers
Police officers and those who love them know this: every day is uncertain.
Each day requires courage and tenacity. The job is tough–but the reward of serving their fellow citizens is a duty law enforcement officers can’t pass up.
Today, we’re reflecting on the brave men and women who sacrifice everything to make our streets safer.
National Police Week - How to Honor Them
Started by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, this annual celebration in May marks a full week dedicated to honoring police officers. One of the key dates is Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15th, committed to highlighting the stories of those who served.
From candlelight vigils to tribute bands, citizens across the country come together to remember those they’ve lost, while recognizing the hard work that continues to happen every day.
You don’t have to wait until May each year to do your part. Even the smallest of gestures mean a world of difference!
Write a Letter
Facebook statuses are great, but nothing beats handwritten correspondence. If your local police department offers a comment box, don’t forget to drop off a letter expressing your gratitude. Personal anecdotes and compliments go a long way.
Shine a Light
The year was 1988, and Dolly Craig pondered how to best memorialize her son-in-law, a police officer who passed in the line of duty.
Dolly found a blue light and placed it on the windowsill. Her actions were simple, but they marked the start of a movement known as #ProjectBlueLight.
Whether they’re Christmas lights strung in your yard or a light bulb left on overnight, this is a little nod to law enforcement that truly makes a difference. Give it a few days, and you might see that your neighbors have followed suit!
Turn to Your Community
If you’re the outdoorsy type or love to get your steps in, take that passion and organize a 5K or similar event. Consider partnering with a local charity to gather funds, which could be used to update equipment, purchase new technology, and implement training programs that help the department run effectively.
What are your favorite ways to give back? Let us know at @PONetwork on IG and FB.
A Word from Dave Case, Retired Chicago Police Officer of 31+ Years and Current Bridgeview Police Officer
We’re proud to represent author Dave Case. He uses his decades of policing to craft stories based on real-life scenarios–situations men and women in blue contend with everyday.
We asked Dave about his perspective as a police officer, and his suggestions for honoring them. Read the excerpt here, and see the full story by following the link below.
When you tell officers that you appreciate their service, it brightens their day.
We all make sacrifices, but first responders consistently make significant sacrifices, and more importantly, our families and loved ones make those same sacrifices right alongside us.
And let’s not forget about our children, who don’t have any choice in the matter.
Yes, I’ve missed a boatload of birthday parties and other occasions, sports, school activities, and family moments.
Sure, it was hard on me, but more importantly, my kids didn’t have their father there during those times.
My kids are great, and I know they would tell you it’s no big deal, but is that because they got used to my not being there? Did they grow into not expecting me to be there?
I certainly wanted to be there, and I often explained this to them. But looking back, I imagine those words probably sounded hollow.
Nevertheless, they were true. So very true.
And I’m sure every first responder feels the same way.
Author Dave Case: When to Say Thank You
Do you have any information on…
- National Police Week?
- National Law Enforcement Memorial Month?
- Peace Officers Memorial Day?
- Police anecdotes and stories that made a difference?
Send details and photos to pon@ponetwork.com. Together, let’s dig deeper into history.
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