Happy National Law Enforcement Appreciation Week!

• Hey Friends!

"In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th 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." 

In case you were not aware, this week is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Week. This week we honor all of the men and women who wake up every single day, put on that uniform and badge, kiss their families goodbye, and risk their lives in order to serve our community. I have personally never been a law enforcement officer but I have worked in law enforcement most of my career, and I have worked alongside some amazing officers.  Police officers never get the credibility they deserve. There is so much that they have to go through that the media, the public, and the local communities just will never know about nor understand. The job is anything but easy and they certainly don't do it for the money or the glory - they do it to make a difference.

During my ride along week when I was a 911 dispatcher, I was able to see first hand of what officers would go through during their regular shifts. I witness many traffics stops, I got to ride along with the K9 unit so I witnessed plenty of drugs busts, domestic calls, unruly juveniles, and even had the opportunity to witness a homicide scene. It is such a fascinating experience to have the opportunity to ride along and build a professional relationship with officers. I've learn so much from the stories they would tell about the experiences they encounter whether it was on the job or at the police academy. The amount of professional training you have to go through as an officer is very impressive. 

So in honor of our brave men and women here are five ways you can show your appreciation:

1. Write a 'thank you' card and take it to your local police department. This is a simple yet super effective way to show your gratitude. You can purchase a pack of 12 thank you cards from the Dollar Tree for a dollar.

2. Drop off a treat or beverage to your local police department. You can stop by Dunkin  Donuts or the grocery store and grab a few dozen boxes of pastries, coffee, or bake some brownies to drop off to the officers. You can also have meals catered.  I usually do this every year for police appreciate week as well as for the firefighters and EMS during Christmas time. They are always so appreciated of tasty treats!

3. You can create care packages to donate to your local police station. This sort of falls in context with the last idea but you can make it different. You can donate water bottles, protein bars, beef jerky, ground coffee, chap-stick, ect. You can also throw gift cards into this option as well.

4.You can also donate to local non - profit charities that supports your local police stations. If you chose to do this please make sure that you do your research! There are some stations that have their own charities they raise awareness for that you can look into. Just call up to the front desk to see if you can find any information.

5. Whenever you see a police officer out at the store or a restaurant simply tell them "thank you" and wish them a great and safe rest of their shift. I do this every time I see officers out in uniform. You would not believe how appreciated something so simple that this is.