Galesburg Reporter

Sen. Win Stoller (R-Peoria) recently urged his constituents to honor their local and state police officers during National Police Week.

"It’s National Police Week; now more than ever, men and women of our law enforcement deserve our appreciation, and support," Stoller posted on Facebook, "Next time you see an officer, be sure to thank them for their service."

The Illinois Police Officers Memorial Ceremony was conducted on May 5 at the State Library in Springfield, according to the Illinois Police Officers Memorial Committee.

According to the Illinois Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S),  a candlelight vigil was held by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) on May 13 in Washington, D.C. 

The National Police Survivors' Conference was organized by C.O.P.S. and held at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center in Washington on May 14 and May 16.

The conference included debriefing sessions and events for the surviving children and siblings of slain officers.

On May 15, the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service was held on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol by the Fraternal Order of Police and Auxiliary, where surviving family members could place a flower in a wreath in remembrance of their fallen officer.  

The conference concluded on May 16 with a 'Picnic on the Patio' event featuring food, games and music to help survivors decompress after a challenging week.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund reports that President John F. Kennedy established National Police Week through a 1962 proclamation.

This proclamation designated May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week beginning on May 15 as National Police Week.