Koon's watch

National Police week is underway across the country. This special week includes May 15, which is known as National Peace Officers Memorial Day.

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

Last week, the Lexington County Council issued a proclamation recognizing this week as National Police Week. Council’s resolution reads, in part, “law enforcement officers recognize and embrace their duty to serve the people of this community, by protecting them against violence and disorder…”

It’s easy to do that because our community believes in what we do and stands behind us in a variety of ways. We see and feel that support routinely, but setting aside a particular week to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of those who have gone before us is important.

We paused last week to honor the law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty while serving Lexington County-based agencies. We did so at the law enforcement monument beside the Lexington County Courthouse. I encourage you to stop by and take a look at the monument when you have an opportunity. It’s a tangible way to honor and remember those law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the family members, friends and fellow officers they left behind.