The Champaign Police Department invites our citizens and community partners to join us in paying tribute to our men and women of law enforcement.
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.
The Champaign Police Department welcomes citizens to join in the below public commemoration events.
Would you like to give a special nod to the Champaign Police Department or to a certain CPD officer for National Police Week? Feel free to use our City’s e-TOAST card to send your recognition!
Employee Awards Ceremony
Tuesday May 16, 5:30PM-7:00PM, Champaign Police Department
CPD will host its annual 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.”
This year’s celebration will also include our “Heroes and Helping Hands,” recognizing people from our community who have stepped up in a crisis or crunch situation and assisted police officers during a service call.
Police Historical Display at Champaign Police Department
Mon May 15 – Thur May 18, 11AM – 3PM | Wed May 17 & Thurs May 18, 5PM – 8PM
Learn about the history of the Champaign Police Department through various artifacts, historical displays and personal stories from retired officers. Drop-in anytime at the times listed above and enjoy a historical scavenger hunt while you visit. Little ones will enjoy a balloon and small trinket on their way out.
Cop on a Rooftop
Friday May 19, 6AM – 11AM, Dunkin Donuts on N. Prospect Ave.
Join us at area Dunkin Donuts locations as local police officers rally the community to raise donations for the Law Enforcement Torch Run, benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. We will be taking donations on-site, as well, officers will DELIVER DONUTS to Champaign and Urbana local businesses!
Officers will deliver one dozen glazed donuts for a $20.00 (per dozen) donation to Special Olympics Illinois. This is perfect for morning meetings or a quick thank you to your office staff! Multiple boxes of donuts can be ordered. Pre-orders must be placed by 6PM May 17. Click HERE for more details and to place your dozen.
Officers from the following law enforcement agencies will be accepting donations at these Dunkin Donuts locations:
- Champaign Police & Champaign County Sheriff’s – 1302 N. Prospect Ave.
- University of Illinois Police & Illinois State Police – 515 S. Neil St.
- Urbana Police – 404 W. University Ave (Urbana)
Champaign Police Memorial
Friday May 19, 11:15AM, Westside Park
The Champaign Police Memorial will be held 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. A special recognition will be held for the 50-year anniversary of Officer Tatman’s line of duty death, November 25, 1967.
An honorary decal reflecting Officer Tatman’s badge and 1967 squad car emblem, as well as a commissioned silver plating “challenge” coin reflecting Tatman’s name, 1967 badge and “end of watch” date are available for purchase for $10.00 each. Coins are currently available by pre-order. There is a $7 shipping and handling fee for up to three coins, and an additional upcharge for 3+ coins.
Coin and decal purchases may be made at the Champaign Police Department in the form of cash, check or money order. Please make checks out to retired Champaign Police Officer and CPD Historical Society President, Zane Ziegler. All proceeds dedicated to the Champaign Police Historical Society.
See HERE for previous announcement on the yearlong commemoration of Officer Robert L. Tatman.
Media Contact: LaEisha Meaderds | 217.403.6987 | [email protected]