By NICK YAMASHITA
The Progress
Last week was National Police Appreciation Week with Friday, May 15, being Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, symbolized by flags being flown at half-mast.
Throughout the week community members showed respect to local officers with compliments, salutes, handshakes, kind words and even gifts of gratitude and love.
The Mesquite Police Department (MPD) kicked off the week with a “parade of police” which took place on Sunday, May 11. The route went down Mesquite Boulevard to the Police Station where MPD Chief MaQuade Chesley gave a speech on the special meaning of the week.
“It was small this year as we were busy with the special situation we are in with the Coronavirus,” said MPD spokesman Sergeant Wyatt Oliver. “But we were able to still celebrate and remember those who have fallen as heroes.”
“Throughout the week we were given all kinds of gifts and notes of appreciation. As well as, of course, doughnuts,” Oliver said.
“One of the cooler gifts was a painted and decorated rock with the definition of hero painted on it,” Oliver added. “That will forever serve as a reminder in our office of why we do this job.”
Sergeant Bret Empey of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Overton Substation, was more than appreciative of the love and support shown during the week by Moapa Valley residents.
“It is humbling to realize that people take the time to thank you for your service,” Empey said. “We are treated pretty well out here.”
Empey relayed how neighborhoods and community groups got together and brought gift bags and goodies to them at the substation. The gift bags included Maverik gift cards, Carmex, sunscreen, gum, trail mix and more.
“I can’t say how it is in Vegas, but out here we are shown so much support and we truly feel it and appreciate it,” Empey said.
National Police Appreciation Week was a joint resolution of Congress in 1962 during the presidency of John F. Kennedy. The resolution was fully sponsored by the president who wanted to emphasize the importance of heroism and patriotic pride in the country at the time. Public Law 87-726 took effect as May 15 became Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and the week getting its official title as National Police Appreciation Week.
One of the biggest celebrations of the week is held in Washington, DC. Several police memorial groups like Concerns of Police Survivors sponsor a huge memorial of fallen police officers where the family of the officers are flown out and get to participate in ceremonies and a candlelight vigil held in the fallen officers’ memories. The celebration ends with the families of fallen officers placing wreaths on the west front lawn of the Capitol on May 15.
“As officers, we truly thank you in the community for everything: the gifts, and the opportunity to serve an amazing community,” Empey said.
