This year, National Police Week runs from the 11th to the 17th of May. Essentially a memorial day for those who help enforce the law, it is dedicated to officers who died or were disabled in the course of performing their duties.

Localities all around the country will pass proclamations to that effect, and Colonial Beach was one such local government, passing its proclamation during its monthly work session on May 6th.

“Law enforcement officers play a vital role in maintaining public safety, protecting individual rights, and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors,” stated Colonial Beach Mayor Robin Schick during her reading.

“The dedicated men and women of the Colonial Beach Police Department serve the community with professionalism, integrity, and courage, often placing themselves in harm’s way in the performance of their duties.”

From there, the proclamation called the relationship between the citizenry and its law enforcement officers a “partnership with residents, businesses, and community organizations to promote safety, build trust, and preserve the Town’s welcoming coastal character.”

Essentially, National Police Week gives the Town a chance to shed more light on and give recognition to the various challenges that law enforcement officers face in the course of their jobs, as well as honor those who have been killed in the line of duty, or, as the proclamation put it, “express gratitude for the daily sacrifices made in service to others.”

The proclamation concluded by stating that “the Town of Colonial Beach values the commitment, compassion, and service demonstrated by its law enforcement officers and acknowledges their essential contribution to the well-being of the community,” as well as encouraging the Town’s residents to be sure to give thanks to the local law enforcement officers for the services they render.

The Colonial Beach Town Council was not the only government to pass such a proclamation. The Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors was scheduled to pass a similar proclamation giving honors and recognition to the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office.