This year the focus is Officer Safety and Wellness by promoting daily morning workouts, suicide prevention programs, and a special Destination Zero Cardiac Wellness Screening virtually. Warren County Sheriff Martin Edwards says there is suffrage between police and the public nationally, but he is encouraged that is not the case locally:
“I am still very encouraged by the reception that I see form the public in our daily duties. It is just not that uncommon to go through a drive-thru and find out your meal has been paid for. We do have organizations in the community that periodically, I guess they all think we like to eat, but it is not uncommon that somebody will put on a small feed or bring by some treats. I’ve even had citizens donate money to the department to do something for the department with it. It is very encouraging and it goes a long way toward making us all feel good about what we do and knowing that there are members of the community that are behind us. They say it is a thankless job that is not always the case.”
Several events are held throughout National Police Week to honor, remember, and respect those in uniform. Monmouth Police Chief Joe Switzer shares he has attended police week in person including the annual candlelight vigil:
“Going to the candlelight vigil and when they read the list of names of the fallen officers for the year that will go on the memorial wall is really something to see. Downtown Washington, D.C. at the National Law Enforcement Memorial, the streets are completely packed with police officers, families, and people that appreciate law enforcement. They had a 5K run where we ran through downtown Washington, D.C. pass the capital. It was a really neat event to go to.”
The candlelight vigil will be livestreamed on Facebook this Thursday at 7 pm.
