The following is a cross-post from the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) blog

By Mike Bostic, FirstNet Senior Law Enforcement Advisor

May 12th is the kickoff of a special week for law enforcement officers and their families. National Police Week is the time we set aside every year to honor those who put their lives on the line each day to keep us safe. We give special recognition during this week to those who died in the line of duty.

President Kennedy created the National Peace Officers Memorial Day in 1962 to honor fallen officers. This day, May 15th, is the only day besides Memorial Day in which U.S. flags are required to be flown at half-staff.

Over the years, that day of remembrance has grown into a week-long event in which thousands of officers and their families, as well as the families of the fallen, gather in Washington, D.C., to meet others who protect communities and to lend their support. The week also is a time to raise awareness of law enforcement issues and to raise funds for important nonprofits, such as the Officer Down Memorial Page.

Police Week began on May 12th with the Police Unity Tour Arrival Ceremony along with the U.S. Capitol Police 4th Annual Memorial Service ceremony that day. 

On May 13th, the names of 143 law enforcement officers who died in 2016, as well as 251 officers who died in prior years, were formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the 29th Annual Candlelight Vigil.

Here are some other events that occur during police week:

• Sat., May 13th – National Police Week 5K run in the morning, and the 29th Annual Candlelight Vigil in the evening;
• Sun., May 14th – National Police Survivors Conference and C.O.P.S. Kids/Teens (Day 1);
• Mon., May 15th – The 36th Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service; and
• Tues., May 16th – Survivors’ Conference and C.O.P.S Kids/Teens (Day 2)

FirstNet looks forward to attending the National Peace Officers Memorial Reception on Monday morning, followed by the National Peace Officers Memorial Service on the West Lawn of the Capitol at 11 am.

We look forward to highlighting law enforcement on social media throughout the week, and please visit our page dedicated to law enforcement: FirstNet.gov/Police.

At FirstNet, we are committed to serving America's public safety personnel – our nation’s law enforcement, fire service, and emergency medical services personnel. The nationwide public safety broadband network will benefit law enforcement and the communities they serve for years to come, and I am honored to be involved in such an important undertaking. On behalf of the FirstNet team, I would like to extend our appreciation to officers nationwide for their commitment and dedication. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime if I can help answer any questions related to the FirstNet network.