National Police Week 2025: Communities Across America Honor Law Enforcement's Service and Sacrifice
In a nationwide demonstration of respect and gratitude, communities across the United States are coming together this week to commemorate National Police Week 2025, paying tribute to fallen officers and celebrating those who continue to serve on the front lines of public safety.
Presidential Proclamation Marks Solemn Occasion
President Donald Trump has officially designated May 15, 2025, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 11-17, 2025, as Police Week through a White House proclamation issued on May 12. The presidential declaration calls on Americans to "observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities" and directs governors to fly flags at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day whitehouse.gov1.
"On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, we honor our brave officers who serve on the front lines to protect our families, safeguard our communities, and shoulder a burden of responsibility that most Americans cannot fathom," President Trump stated in the proclamation whitehouse.gov1.
The tradition dates back to 1962 when President John F. Kennedy first established National Police Week, designating the week in which May 15 falls as a time to honor law enforcement officers, particularly those who have lost their lives in the line of duty hawaiinewsnow.com2.
Communities "Paint the Town Blue" in Support
Across the country, cities and towns are finding creative ways to honor their local law enforcement officers. In Grant County, Wisconsin, the sheriff's office has initiated a "Paint the Town Blue" campaign, encouraging residents and businesses to decorate their properties with blue lights, ribbons, and decorations as a visible show of support wkow.com3.
"Painting our town in blue is a simple but meaningful way for us to unite and appreciate our law enforcement officers," said Grant County Sheriff Craig Reukauf. "We invite everyone to participate and help us send a strong message of support." The Grant County Courthouse will be illuminated in blue throughout the week as "a solemn symbol of respect for fallen officers and a beacon of gratitude to all who serve and protect our communities" wkow.com3.
Honolulu Hosts Week of Commemorative Events
In Hawaii, the Honolulu Police Department began its Police Week observances on Monday with a proclamation ceremony at Kahala Mall. Mayor Rick Blangiardi officially proclaimed May 11-17, 2025, as Police Week in the City & County of Honolulu hawaiinewsnow.com2.
"Our tremendous appreciation for your courage, your bravery, and just how tough the job is that you do each and every day in the profound respect we have here," Mayor Blangiardi said during the ceremony, which was attended by city officials, first responders, and members of the public hawaiinewsnow.com2.
HPD Major Randall Platt, who served as the ceremony's emcee, expressed gratitude for community support: "We appreciate just the support that the community has for officers. We just had a neighborhood town hall, and it was nice to see people come out and be supportive of the work and to commend officers for the good work that they do, so it's always nice, especially this time this week to recognize the good work of our officers" hawaiinewsnow.com2.
The department has planned several events throughout the week, including:
- A remembrance walk from HPD's Alapai headquarters to the state Capitol rotunda, followed by a candlelight vigil and memorial service honoring Honolulu police officers killed in the line of duty
- An HPD Service and Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 14, where the department will present awards including Honolulu Police Officer of the Year, Sergeant of the Year, Detective of the Year, and Lieutenant of the Year
- The 200 Club Breakfast and Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 16, celebrating the honorees hawaiinewsnow.com2
Congressional Perspective: From Law Enforcement to Lawmakers
The significance of Police Week has also resonated in the halls of Congress, where former law enforcement officers now serving as representatives have brought their unique perspective to national policy discussions. Representatives Gabe Evans (Colorado's 8th Congressional District) and Mike Ezell (Mississippi's 4th Congressional District), both former police officers, published a joint opinion piece reflecting on their transition from local law enforcement to federal lawmakers thehill.com4.
"From serving as local police officers to serving as members of Congress, our mission has remained the same: protect the American people and uphold the Constitution," the congressmen wrote. "As police officers, you don't ask for someone's party affiliation before stepping up to help. Whether they were a Republican, Democrat or Independent, it didn't matter — what mattered was doing the right thing in the moment and keeping people safe" thehill.com4.
The representatives highlighted legislative efforts aimed at supporting law enforcement, including the UPLIFT Act, which they say would empower local law enforcement to address crime issues in sanctuary cities, and a Resolution in Support of Law Enforcement calling for "stronger penalties for assaulting or killing officers, increased mental health support, better training and equipment, and a coordinated national strategy to back our law enforcement professionals" thehill.com4.
Presidential Policy Priorities
In his proclamation, President Trump emphasized his administration's focus on law enforcement support, stating, "I am fulfilling my promise to make America safe again by reclaiming sovereignty on the border and restoring the rule of law in communities nationwide. We will utilize every available means to equip and train law enforcement, retain qualified officers, and recruit on the basis of meritocracy" whitehouse.gov1.
The president also mentioned his request to Congress to "codify my Executive Order mandating the death penalty for the murder of a police officer" and to pass a crime bill with enhanced protections for police officers whitehouse.gov1.
A Tradition of Honor and Remembrance
National Police Week serves as both a memorial for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and a celebration of those who continue to serve. As events unfold across the country this week, communities are finding ways to express their gratitude for the men and women who, as HPD Major Platt put it, respond when "duty calls" and "serve the public with everything that we have" hawaiinewsnow.com2.
The week provides an opportunity for Americans to reflect on the complex challenges facing law enforcement and the critical role these officers play in maintaining community safety. As the nation faces ongoing discussions about public safety policies and police reform, National Police Week 2025 stands as a reminder of the human element behind the badge—the officers who risk their lives daily and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.
As ceremonies continue throughout the week, will these commemorations help bridge divides between law enforcement and the communities they serve, or will policy differences continue to complicate these essential relationships?
