National Police Week Activities

May 5, 2009 - The Houston Police Department will observe National Police Week from Friday, May 8, 2009 through Friday, May 15, 2009.

First proclaimed in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy, National Peace Officers Memorial is celebrated on May 15th and the week in which the date falls is known as “Police Week”.  Law enforcement personnel from around the world gather in Washington D.C. to participate in the National Peace Officers Memorial Service and Candlelight Vigil.  Communities across the nation also pay tribute to their fallen heroes.  National Police Week serves as a time of reflection and appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice made by exceptionally courageous and noble officers.

This year’s activities for the Houston Police Department include three important events and the daily, pre-scheduled tours and demonstrations to Houston-area school children at the Houston Police Academy.

• The Annual Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 8, 2009, at 7 p.m., at the Houston Police Officers Memorial site to honor those officers who have given their lives in the line of duty.  A procession of police officers will walk down Memorial Drive beginning at 7 p.m.  A candlelight vigil will include the placing of a wreath on the Memorial, a roll call of the deceased officers, a 21-gun salute, the playing of TAPS, and a fly-over by HPD helicopters.

• The Police Week Awards Ceremony will be held on Monday, May 11, 2009, at 10 a.m., at the Downtown Aquarium, 3rd floor, located at 410 Bagby Street.  The ceremony will feature the reading of the Mayor’s Proclamation and award presentations.

• Ministers Against Crime will hold A Day of Prayer News Conference on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at 10 a.m., at the HPD Headquarters, 1200 Travis.  Houston area clergy members will gather to reinforce the partnership that exists between the community and our department.

• During Police Week, Houston-area school children are once again participating in pre-scheduled tours and demonstrations at the Houston Police Academy located at 17000 Aldine Westfield.  The children will meet with officers and partake in demonstrations from our Helicopter Squad, K-9 Unit, SWAT officers, Dive Team, Training Division, and Community Outreach Unit.

It is during Police Week that we remember and honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice of their lives so that we may live in safety and peace.  Please join the Houston Police Department in commemorating the law enforcement officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, selflessly dedicating their lives in the line of duty while serving to protect the citizens of our great city.

JKS/JC

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200 .