This week I will be taking a break from my normal blogs dealing with issues regarding Wantagh Seaford Homeowners Association Neighborhood Watch. The reason is to pay homage to a week that is reserved for true American Heroes.
This week is police week which runs from may 12 to may 18.
What is police week? What's it's history? And why is it important?
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Currently, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The Memorial Service began in 1982 as a gathering in Senate Park of approximately 120 survivors and supporters of law enforcement. Decades later, the event, more commonly known as National Police Week, has grown to a series of events which attracts thousands of survivors and law enforcement officers to our Nation's Capital each year.
Active and retired law enforcement officers as well as many others will come out to show their support for the law enforcement community. Many different organizations will participate in fundraising events for the national law enforcement memorial fund and for the construction of the national law enforcement museum.
Today in the United States, some 900,000 law enforcement officers put their lives on the line for the safety and protection of others. They serve with valor and distinction – and with great success. Federal statistics show that violent and property crime rates in the United States are at historic lows, thanks in large measure to the dedicated service of the men and women of law enforcement.
That protection comes at a price, however. Each year, there are approximately 60,000 assaults on law enforcement officers, resulting in nearly 16,000 injuries. Sadly, over the last decade, an average of 160 officers a year have been killed in the line of duty. And throughout U.S. history, over 19,000 law enforcement officers have made the ultimate sacrifice.
What we all should remember is the names being added to the memorial this week were mothers, fathers , sons, daughters , brothers and sisters. They are brave men and women who run toward danger when most are running away. They are exceptional human beings that posses a trait that is not inherent in most. Americans feel safe in their homes and communities because of these individuals. The price for this is not free and is paid for by the names of these heroes that will be added to the memorial. Lets honor them and Never forget them. That is what police week is all about.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
I would like to give special recognition to Chapter 37 New York of The Police Unity Tour which biked over 300 miles from The World Trade Center to Washington Dc. Chapter 37 is named in Honor of the 37 Port Authority Police Officers that were killed in the Line of duty on September 11, 2001. The Goal of the Police Unity Tour is to raise awareness of The Law Enforcement Officers who died in the line of duty and to raise money for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum. Their motto is simple "We Ride For Those Who Died".
Christopher Carini is a Trustee with The Wantagh Seaford Homeowners Association and also serves as Director of the WSHA Neighborhood Watch Program. He has also been a Police Officer for over 15 years serving with the New York City Police Department, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department and currently as a Member of the Port Authority Police Department.
For more information on WSHA Neighborhood Watch
Join the above group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/wantaghseafordwatch/?ref=ts&fref=ts
Or at the WSHA website at www.WSHA.LI
