In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officer's 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.

Belleville Police Department and Belleville Police Association celebrated the week with several events. St. Francis of Assis hosted a Blue Mass in honor of Police Week on Sunday, May 15th. The Belleville Elementary and Belleville Intermediate Schools had a penny war. The kids raised $368.89, which was donated to the Belleville Mounted Patrol. It will be used for the care and training for the Police Horses. The winning grade was the 1st grade. Their prize was to paint the Police Horses and feed them carrots.

The kids participated in a color contest. We received 329 entries from grades K-5th. All the pictures were great. They are currently displayed at the Belleville Police Department, Belleville Village Hall, Belleville Library, Express Fitness, and SmallBiz Resource. The winners are: Kindergarten, Brody F .; 1st, Peyton K .; 2nd, Cora F .; 3rd, Ryker; 4th, Ben J .; and 5th, Ella B. The winners received goodie bags. The pictures will stay up until May 27th, so everyone can get a catch to see the kids' hard work.

Photo courtesy of Vicki Beiersdorf

Officer Vicki Beiersdorf presented awards to the 2nd-5th grade coloring contest winners, Cora F., Ryker, Ben J., and Ella B.

We wrapped up Police Week with eating lunch with all the kids and having fun with them. We would like to thank everyone for their support and kind words. We would especially like to thank St. Francis of Assis and Belleville Elementary and Intermediate Schools. Thank you for making our special week great!