Do you know this week is National Police Week? According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund: "In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police 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 men and women of our police force often receive little or no recognition for their daily efforts, yet each day they put themselves in harm's way to protect our communities. With Armed Forces Day coming up May 21 and Memorial Day taking place May 30, this is a good week to begin saying "thank you" to officers. Together with your school, office, neighborhood, or community organization, express thanks for your local police department with one of these ideas to thank a police officer.
1. Write a letter to your local newspaper thanking the police officers for their dedication to the community.
2. Put together a plate of cookies or buy a dozen doughnuts from a local bakery and take them to your local police department. Include a thank you card to be displayed by the treat.
3. If you see a police officer while you're out for lunch or picking up coffee, pay for their order.
4. Personally deliver a thank you card to your local police department. Invite other departments to sign your card or deliver their own.
5. Make a donation to a local organization that assists injured police officers or a police officer memorial.
6. Create and frame a certificate of appreciation for your police department. Ask everyone in your office to sign it.
7. Purchase a planterof spring flowers to brighten up the office or entrance to your local police station. Include a sign in the planter that thanks police officers.
8. Brighten up your police department's break room this week! Create decorations that say "thanks for all you do" and put together a basket of snacks they can enjoy all week.
9. Thank a police officer by filling a need of their station or department. Call your local police station and inquire if they have any needs, such as office supplies or landscaping work, and fill the need in honor of National Police Week.
10. Coordinate a potluck lunch for your police department this week. Together with a group of coworkers, make a meal and volunteer during your lunch hour to serve the officers. This is not only a great way to thank a police officer, but it's a valuable opportunity to volunteer with your team, too!
Recognition holidays like National Police Week are taking place every month. Don't miss an opportunity to thank a nurse, nursing home staff member, or EMS! Visit our Recognition event Calendar to find your recognition holiday and ideas for celebrations.
