Dear Residents,
Every year in May, law enforcement officers from around the world gather in Washington, D.C., to commemorate National Police Week, which is observed this year from May 15-21, 2016. In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. Today, in the United States, more than 900,000 law enforcement officers put their lives on the line for the safety and protection of others. Sadly, over the last decade, an average of 146 officers each year have been killed in the line of duty. National Police Week pays special recognition to those officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
To commemorate National Police Week in the District of Columbia, I introduced – and the Council passed – the National Police Week Recognition Resolution of 2016. This resolution recognizes the officers of the Metropolitan Police Department, the District of Columbia Housing Authority Police Department, and the Department of General Services’ Protective Services Division. These agencies are tasked with protecting more than 670,000 residents and 20.2 million District visitors every year. They routinely demonstrate their professionalism and dedication to the job by building community trust, responding to calls for service, and cultivating relationships with residents. I express my sincere gratitude and thank them for serving our residents, employees, and visitors with valor and distinction.
