HPD to Host National Police Week Events Next Week May 3, 2010 - The Houston Police Department will observe National Police Week from Friday, May 7 through Friday, May 14. First proclaimed in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy, National Peace Officers Memorial Day 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 four important events and the daily, pre-scheduled tours and demonstrations to thousands of Houston-area school children at the L. D. Morrison Sr. Police Training Academy. On Friday, May 7 at 7 p.m., the Annual Memorial Service will be held at the Houston Police Officers’ Memorial, 2400 Memorial Drive, to honor those officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. A procession of police officers and families of fallen officers will walk down Memorial Drive beginning at 7 p.m. A candlelight vigil will be held and include the placing of a wreath on the Houston Police Officers’ Memorial, a roll call of deceased officers, a 21-gun salute, the playing of TAPS, and a fly-over by HPD helicopters. The event is open to the public. At 10 a.m. on Monday, May 10, the Police Week Awards Ceremony will be held at the Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby Street at Memorial Drive. The ceremony will feature the reading of the Mayor’s Proclamation and awards presentations to 81 employees for outstanding work. The ceremony is a ticketed event. At 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 12, Ministers Against Crime will hold A Day of Prayer news conference at HPD Headquarters, 1200 Travis. Houston area clergy members will gather to reinforce the partnership that exists between the community and the department. This will be immediately followed by the grand opening of the HPD Museum and Officers’ Memorial inside the lobby of 1200 Travis. Both events are open to the public. On Friday, May 14, in honor of National Peace Officers Memorial Day, all officers and citizens are encouraged to drive with their headlights on, in remembrance of the peace officers who have sacrificed their lives while protecting our cities. During Police Week, Houston-area school children are once again participating in pre-scheduled tours and demonstrations at the L. D. Morrison Sr. Police Training Academy, 17000 Aldine Westfield. From 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., children will meet with officers and partake in demonstrations from the Air Support Division, K-9 Unit, SWAT officers, Dive Team, Training Division, and Community Services 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. VHS/BJL/JFC 5-3-10 For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200. |
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