NATIONAL POLICE WEEK Published April 23, 2013 By Maj. Melissa Brown 436th Security Forces Squadron commander DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- By joint resolution on 1 Oct 1962 President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726 which declared May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which that date falls on as National Police Week. This is the annual tribute to law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. More than thirty years later, Public Law 103-322 was signed by President Bill Clinton, directing the U.S. flag to be displayed at half-staff on all government buildings on May 15 each year. The National Law Enforcement Memorial, sponsored by the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, is a focal point of National Police Week observances and one of the signature events is the annual Candlelight Vigil, held on the evening of May 13 each year. The 2013 25th annual vigil begins at 8 p.m. Historically, approximately 20,000 people congregate at the memorial to honor fallen officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice. In 2012, 362 names of officers who died in the line of duty were inscribed on the memorial, bringing the total names engraved to 19,660. The newly etched names included 163 federal, state and local law enforcement officers. These names, along with the names of 199 recently discovered fallen officers who died in past years but whose line of duty sacrifices only recently came to light, were officially dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Memorial at the 24th annual Candlelight Vigil. Another National Police Week highlight is the National Peace Officers Memorial Day Service, hosted by the Fraternal Order of Police, held every year on May 15 at the U.S. Capitol. The 2013 32nd annual service will be held on the West Front of the US Capitol at 9 p.m. Finally, two days of this week, Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) hosts a National Police Survivors' Conference and C.O.P.S. Kids activities. Participants have the opportunity to attend age-appropriate grief counseling sessions, as well as fun and social activities. The conference is aimed at achieving C.O.P.S. mission; to help the officer's family and affected co-workers learn to live again. National Police Week 2013 will be Sunday, May 12th through Saturday, May 18th. The 436 Security Forces Squadron Dover AFB invites you to participate in the following local events: 2013 National Police Week Events here in the State of Delaware Proceeds will be donated to the Delaware Chapter of Concerns for Police Survivors. Saturday May 11th, 2013 Opening Ceremonies (State LEO Memorial on the Mall--Dover, DE) Statewide Law Enforcement Parade (Dover PD to State LEO Memorial) Law Enforcement Field Day (Show off Patrol Cars, Recruitment, Police Demos, and family and friends field day--The Greens Dover, DE adjacent to the capital) Monday May 13th, 2013 Trip to D.C. For the Official NLEOM Candlelight Vigil (Washington, D.C.) Tuesday May 14th, 2013 Police Week Golf Tournament (Eagle's Nest Golf Course--Dover AFB) $45.00 entrance fee (team golf) Wednesday May 15, 2013 Law Enforcement Fitness Challenge (Obstacle course--Dover AFB) $10 per person entrance fee (4 person teams) Run in Remembrance (A mile for every LEO killed since 15 May 2012-present--Dover AFB)--Donations only. Thursday May 16, 2013 Law Enforcement Handgun Marksmen Competition (Walking Dead themed course of fire--Dover AFB CATM Firing Range) $10 per person (Singles) $20 per team (Doubles) Friday May 17, 2013 Closing Ceremonies Retreat/DSP Pipes and Drums (Dover AFB Headquarters Flag pole) 1600 hrs Law Enforcement Ball (Statewide--Dover Downs) Rollins Center Ball room 7 p.m. To Midnight $45 tickets (Black Tie)