Make Time to Appreciate Vernon Hills Police Officers

Residents of Vernon Hills and other communities throughout America are being asked to observe National Police Week, May 12-18, a week dedicated to appreciating the work of law enforcement professionals.

Many times the public takes for granted that the police are available to serve the community, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Regardless of the weather, the day of the week, or the time of the year, the doors to the police department are never locked. National Police Week is a time for all citizens to recognize and understand the duties and responsibilities of the police department where they live. Citizens should also use this as a time to remember the many sacrifices that law enforcement officers make on a daily basis while protecting their lives and property, including the extreme sacrifice that they may someday have to make — that being their own lives.

However, National Police Week is also a time for law enforcement officers to reinforce in themselves a sense of duty and responsibility to all members of the community they serve.

At the May 7 meeting of the Vernon Hills Village Board, Village President Roger Byrne will read the proclamation regarding National Police Week in Vernon Hills and he has agreed to ask all citizens to honor both the proclamation and Peace Officers' Memorial Day. Vernon Hills Police Department squad cars will be marked with blue ribbons on the antennas to draw attention to this occasion.

National Police Week runs from the Sunday through Saturday in May that includes May 15, which has been established as Peace Officers' Memorial Day. President John F. Kennedy signed National Police Week into law in 1962.

American flags should be lowered to half-staff on May 15. Everyone is reminded to lower the flag that is flown at homes, agencies or businesses on that day to show support for law enforcement and to honor those police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.