The Champaign Police Department invites our citizens and community partners to join us in paying tribute to our men and women of service!
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which that date falls as Police Week.
Every year since, our country has taken part in a national salute to honor law enforcement officers from across the world that have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and to pay respect to those who dedicate their lives each day to serve our community.
“Police officers take on a very demanding, challenging and vital task,” shared Police Chief Anthony Cobb. “Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week is opportunity for community and police together to pay tribute to our fallen officers as well as to celebrate the positive contributions that our employees make on a daily basis. We want them and their families to know that their sacrifices do not go unnoticed,” he added.
The Champaign Police Department will commemorate the week by hosting an:
- Employee Awards Ceremony • Tues May 10, 5:30 – 7:00PM, Champaign Police Department. Leading into National Police Week, CPD will host its Employee Awards Ceremony to acknowledge staff’s positive commitments to our community and to emphasize our dedicated pledge of service through trust, integrity and respect.
- CPD’s Open House • Tues May 17, 2:00-6:00PM & Thurs May 19, 4:00-8:00PM. Meet your local police officers and staff and learn more about CPD. Tours of the Department will be provided on the half-hour, featuring historical displays, information about our various police divisions, and fun-filled activities for the entire family! Drop-in on the half-hour or give us a call at 217-403-6987 to schedule a group tour.
- Champaign Police Memorial • Fri May 20, 11:15AM, West Side Park. You are cordially invited to the Champaign Police Memorial to honor law enforcement officers from around the world who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. We will be honoring fallen Champaign Police Officers Thomas Dodsworth and Robert Tatman who lost their lives in the line of duty. Please join us after the service as we form a motorcade to the Champaign County Courthouse for the county-wide memorial starting at noon.
>>All are welcome to join the Week’s activities!