In honor of National Police Week, the Champaign Police Department has transformed one of its spaces into a history museum, displaying artifacts and documents that showcase the progress of the Department since its establishment in 1860.
Among the antiques on display: the first City Building police blotter desk from 1889; an original police officer’s coat badge from the turn of 1900; collapsible armored shields from the mid-30’s; and police apparel to span over the 157-year history of the Department.
“The Historical Society has been really fortunate to collect a number of items over the years and we’re proud to showcase them to the public,” states Zane Ziegler, retired Champaign Police Officer and Champaign Police Department Historical Society President. He continued, “The display is a tribute to our local peace officers and is in special recognition of Officer Robert Tatman’s line of duty death in 1967. We invite our community to drop-in to learn about the Department and to view the unique artifacts.”
The CPD Historical Display is open to the public during this week, May 15 – 18:
+ Monday – Thursday: 11AM – 3PM
+ Wednesday & Thursday evening: 5PM – 8PM
Youth are welcomed and may enjoy a scavenger hunt while they visit, along with small Champaign Police giveaways.
Other activities during National Police Week include:
+ Employee Awards Ceremony, Tuesday May 16, 5:30-7PM, Champaign Police Department
+ Cop on a Rooftop Fundraiser, Friday May 19, 6-11AM, Dunkin Donuts
+ Champaign Police Memorial, Friday May 19, 11:15AM, West Side Park
See here for more information on these events.