May 10, 2012 - The Houston Police Department will observe National Police Week from Monday, May 14 through Friday, May 18, 2012.  The purpose of the observance is to increase the public's awareness of the role of police officers. 

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation that designated May 15th as "Peace Officer's Memorial Day and the week in which the date falls as “Police Week.”  Law enforcement personnel from around the world gather in Washington DC 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 daily, pre-scheduled tours and demonstrations to Houston-area school children at the Houston Police Academy.

The Police Week Awards Ceremony Breakfast will be held on Monday, May 14, at 8 a.m., at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1200 Louisiana.  The ceremony will feature the reading of the Mayor’s Proclamation and awards presentations honoring HPD employees. 

The HPD Police and Clergy Alliance will host A Day of Prayer at 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 16, at HPD Headquarters, 1200 Travis.  Houston area clergy members will gather to reinforce the partnership that exists between the community and the department.

The Annual Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 18, 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 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.

During Police Week, some Houston-area school children are participating in pre-scheduled tours and demonstrations at the Houston Police Academy, at 17000 Aldine Westfield.  From 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.,  the children will meet with officers and partake in demonstrations from our Air Support Squad, K-9 Unit, SWAT and Dive Teams, Training Division, and the Community Services Outreach Units.

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.   Citizens are encouraged to drive with their headlights on in remembrance of those who have died in the line of duty. 

The public is invited and encouraged to attend our Day of Prayer and Annual Memorial Service.



VHS/JFC    5-10-12