National Police Week is May 13-19, 2012. National Police Week recognizes the service and sacrifice of United States law enforcement. This 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. The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office will be placing blue ribbons on the department’s marked squad cars, May 13-19, to show support for National Police Week. These ribbons are part of a national awareness campaign by Concerns of Police Survivors. The public is welcome to pick up a blue ribbon from the Sheriff’s Office Administration Office to join us in our support.
May 15, 2012 is Peace Officers Memorial Day. Officers from around the world come together in Washington, DC at the National Police Officer’s Memorial, to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. In 2011, 163 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty and will be honored on May 15.
As of May 11, 2012, the number of law enforcement officer fatalities in 2012 has decreased 43% as compared to one year ago today. The most significant reduction has been in firearm related deaths. Over recent years, the numbers have been rising. We remain hopeful that in 2012, we will see a reduction.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office trains deputies and correction officers year round on various topics: officer safety, firearm handling skills, control tactics, various interpersonal communications, traffic safety, and more. Training and officer safety are two vital components to a police officer’s successful career.
National Police Week is a collaborative effort dedicated to honoring America's law enforcement community. The three main organizers of Police Week are:
• National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), which sponsors the annual Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
• Fraternal Order of Police/Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary (FOP/FOPA), which organize the Peace Officers Memorial Day Service at the U.S. Capitol.
• Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), which holds the National Police Survivors' Conference.
Additional information on National Police Week can be found at National Police Officer’s Memorial
Fund: http://www.nleomf.org/memorial/ and Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S): http://www.nationalcops.org/ .
