Eureka Marks National Police Week

Peace Officers' Memorial Day will be observed May 15 in Eureka.  In addition, next week also will be marked as the time to observe National Police Week.

Eureka Mayor Kevin Coffey announced a proclamation about the two observances at the May 3 board of aldermen meeting, citing that the officers play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedom of the city.

Peace Officers' Memorial Day is a time to commemorate past and present law enforcement officers, who have killed or disabled in the line of duty while preserving the rights and security of Eureka's citizens.

According to online sources, the idea of a Peace Officers' Memorial Day surfaced on Oct. 1, 1961, when Congress asked the president to designate May 15 to honor law enforcement officers. President John F. Kennedy signed the bill into law on Oct. 1, 1962. Each year, U.S. presidents proclaim May 15 as Peace Officers' Memorial Day, and the calendar week of each year during which May 15 falls as Police Week.

The law was amended in 1994 by President Bill Clinton, who directed that the flag of the United States also be flown at half-staff on May 15.