This week is National Police Week, which offers honor, remembrance, and peer support, while allowing law enforcement, survivors, and citizens to gather and pay homage to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. This week also includes National Peace Officers Memorial Day which takes place on May 15th. 

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which that date falls as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, the week pays special recognition to law enforcement officers that have lost their lives in the line of duty. Knoxville Police Chief Aaron Fuller says he feels blessed to serve in a community where citizens are supportive of the police force, and encourages everyone to take time and reflect this week on those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“It means a lot to law enforcement across the country to just have a week to recognize and think about some of the sacrifices that law enforcement officers make and the ultimate sacrifice of giving your life for your community. This gives people time to reflect when they wouldn’t on what the police in their community do.”

Hear more from Fuller about National Police Week on Monday’s Let’s Talk Knoxville.