Department Open House Returns with Tours, Demos on Saturday, May 17
The Champaign Police Department invites the community to attend events planned to mark National Police Week, May 12 through 18, 2025. The week’s events will honor fallen officers, highlight employee accomplishments, and teach our community about their law enforcement with the return of the biennial CPD Open House.
“Police Week allows all of us the chance to pause and reflect on the work we do and the incredible teammates who do it,” said Police Chief Timothy T. Tyler. “As part of this week of ceremony and celebration, we are excited to give a behind-the-scenes look at your Champaign Police Department, featuring tours, exhibits, and demonstrations for everyone to enjoy.”
The Champaign Police Memorial Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 13, at 9:00 a.m.at West Side Park (400 W. University Ave., Champaign). It will honor law enforcement officers from around the world who have died in the line of duty and pay special tribute to Champaign Police Officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our community. The three heroes to be honored by the Champaign Police Department are Thomas Dodsworth (end of watch July 6, 1913), Robert Tatman (end of watch November 25, 1967), and Christopher Oberheim (end of watch May 19, 2021).
The Champaign Police Employee Awards Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 14, at 5:30 p.m. at the Champaign Police Department (82 E University Ave, Champaign). It will honor the exceptional efforts of officers and professional staff members during the last year. Awards will include the announcement of Employee of the Year and Officer of the Year, along with recognizing officers who went above the call of duty in specific actions.
The biennial Champaign Police Open House will be held on Saturday, May 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Open House is held at the department’s facility at 82 E University Ave, Champaign, and brings the community inside for a closer look at CPD’s operations. The event features a fun, family-friendly atmosphere to learn about Champaign Police and their community safety mission. Offerings at the Open House include touch-a-truck with multiple CPD vehicles, demonstrations from specialized units such as the Crisis Negotiation Unit, Crime Scene Unit, and SWAT team, access to historical displays, and tours of the Champaign Police Department.
Since 1962, National Police Week has been held in the week that includes Peace Officers Memorial Day, which takes place on May 15. All events are open to the public, and Champaign Police welcome the entire community to attend.