May 15, 2023 |
Photo – Rawlins Police Department Patrol Vehicle – Bigfoot99 file photo
Governor Mark Gordon, in recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week 2023, has ordered both the U.S. and State of Wyoming flags be flown at half-staff statewide today, May 15. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week pay tribute to those brave law enforcement officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.
Flags are to be flown at half-staff from dawn until sunset.
National Police Week, also known as National Law Enforcement Week, is a time to honor and thank the men and women who serve and protect our communities. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy officially recognized the role law enforcement officers play in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of American citizens. In recognition of sacrifices made in the line of duty, President Kennedy declared May 15th Peace Officers Memorial Day.
Ceremonies and events will be held across the nation to commemorate fallen officers, support their families, and celebrate the contributions law enforcement agencies have made.
During the May 2nd Rawlins city council meeting, Mayor Terry Weickum read the proclamation declaring next week as National Police Week.
Addressing the city council, Rawlins Police Chief Mike Ward said over 26,000 law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty since America was founded in 1776. Chief Ward said three officers have been lost during the 136 years the Rawlins Police Department has been in existence.
According to the Officer Down Memorial website, 61 law enforcement agents have died in Wyoming since 1875. Saratoga Police Chief Mike Morris said he doesn’t know his department’s entire history, but said he is unaware of any Saratoga officers who died on duty.
The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office was founded in 1869 when Smith Foote was appointed to the job by Governor John A. Campbell. The next year, 1870, Peter Lemon became the first elected sheriff of Carbon County. Our county’s newest sheriff, Alex Bakken, said one deputy was murdered, along with another man, by train robbers in the late 1870’s. Sheriff Bakken said a monument was erected where the two men fell.
In celebration of National Police Week, the Rawlins Police Department is inviting the public to participate in a memorial ceremony at their headquarters. Chief Ward said the event will take place next Thursday.
Chief Morris said he doesn’t have any concrete plans for a National Police Week celebration. The Saratoga Police Chief said he is considering holding an open house of his own sometime next week.
